Temecula, California (December 7, 2025) — Authorities have identified Michael McClellan, 56, of Menifee, as the pedestrian killed Sunday night after being struck by a vehicle in Temecula. The collision occurred around 7 p.m. near the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Via Montezuma.
Incident Details: According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, deputies and emergency responders arrived to find McClellan fatally injured in the roadway. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver involved remained on the scene and cooperated with the investigators. No arrests were made, and officials have not released additional information about the vehicle, direction of travel, or circumstances leading up to the collision.
Investigation: The Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate the cause of the crash. Detectives will examine roadway evidence, including impact points, skid marks, debris distribution, and lighting conditions along Jefferson Avenue, to determine the circumstances of the collision.
Pedestrian fatalities at dusk or nighttime often require detailed visibility assessments, including the driver’s sightlines, posted speed limits, roadway illumination, and whether the pedestrian was within or outside a crosswalk. Investigators may also review surveillance recordings from nearby businesses, interview witnesses, and analyze 911 call logs.
The standard procedure includes checking the involved vehicle for mechanical issues and confirming whether distraction, fatigue, or impairment played a role. The goal of the reconstruction is to provide clarity for McClellan’s family as they grapple with a sudden and tragic loss.
Legal Considerations: Under California law, drivers must operate their vehicles with due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, regardless of the pedestrian’s location in the roadway. Even when no criminal charges are filed at the scene, civil liability may still exist if the driver failed to maintain a proper lookout, was traveling too fast for conditions, or reacted too slowly to a foreseeable hazard.
For the McClellan family, his death represents not just the loss of a loved one but the disappearance of daily connection, support, and presence. A wrongful death claim may allow his relatives to seek compensation for funeral expenses, emotional grief, and the long-term impact of losing him so abruptly. While no legal action can undo the heartbreak, it can help families secure stability and accountability during a challenging time.
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Michael McClellan as they mourn this devastating loss.
Source: Menifee 24/7