[03-19-2026] Imperial County, CA – Pedestrian Killed After Being Struck By Vehicle on SR-86

A 41-year-old man was struck and killed on State Route 86, north of Aten Road in Imperial early Thursday morning, March 19, 2026.

According to the Imperial Police Department, officers responded to the scene at around 12:31 a.m. and found Ruben C. unresponsive in a dirt ditch west of the roadway.

Life-saving measures were immediately initiated by officers and continued by Imperial County Fire personnel upon their arrival.

The pedestrian was transported to El Centro Regional Medical Center and later airlifted to UC San Diego Hillcrest Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the victim was in the southbound lane of SR-86 when he was struck by a GMC Sierra.

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Impairment does not appear to be a factor in the collision.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Imperial Police Department at (760) 355-4327.

What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.