A pedestrian who died on U.S. Highway 101 early Sunday morning after he was hit by a big-rig near an Embarcadero Road on-ramp has been identified by the Santa Clara County medical examiner's office as Santa Clara resident Joseph Faumuina.
The collision occurred at around 3:45 a.m., on southbound 101, just south of Embarcadero, according to CHP. Faumuina, 21, was reportedly walking in the right lane of the highway when he was struck by a southbound Freightliner truck.
Faumuina came to rest face down, on the right shoulder of the highway. CHP officers, and later firefighters, arrived at the scene and tried to administer aid. According to CHP, Faumuina was in and out of consciousness at the scene. He was later taken to Stanford Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased shortly after 5 a.m.
Faumuina may have been under the influence of alcohol, according to CHP. The driver of the Freightliner was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs and did not suffer any injuries.
The two southbound right lanes were closed for about an hour early Sunday while CHP officers investigated the scene. Any witnesses are asked to call 650-369-6261.
Comments
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Apr 19, 2015 at 8:22 am
on Apr 19, 2015 at 8:22 am
This is very sad for all concerned, the family of the deceased and the big rig driver.
What was the pedestrian doing there, was he confused, drunk, had a broken down vehicle, or suicidal?
Please update this report when more details are known.
Midtown
on Apr 19, 2015 at 9:50 am
on Apr 19, 2015 at 9:50 am
I do not know what happened in this case, but I do know that the existing pedestrian bridge over Hwy 101 near Embarcadero Road is so well hidden that someone trying to find it on a dark night may easily find himself on the freeway onramp.
Barron Park
on Apr 19, 2015 at 10:47 am
on Apr 19, 2015 at 10:47 am
Very sad. I use that ramp a lot, and have, on occasion, seen a pedestrian walking there. Once saw a man walking his dog, Another time I saw an elderly person, whom I reported to 911. Luckily it was during the day with good visibility, and when the metering lights were on so traffic was slowed. The other day, I passed a bicycle riding in the breakdown lane on 101N in Palo Alto. Maybe better signs are needed for those pedestrian/bike routes and bridges.
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Apr 19, 2015 at 11:54 am
on Apr 19, 2015 at 11:54 am
When driving through this area slow it down. To many are driving to fast through this location to begin with. Slower speeds give drivers more time to see and avoid accidents.
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Apr 19, 2015 at 5:08 pm
on Apr 19, 2015 at 5:08 pm
So tragic. Prayers for the victim's family. It brings to mind the really tragic death of another lost student on a freeway in SoCal recently.