A tragic incident occurred Friday afternoon in Long Beach, claiming the life of 75-year-old Elvira Cuellar from Compton. The accident happened around 4 p.m. at the busy intersection of East Greenleaf and Long Beach boulevards, just north of the 91 Freeway. Cuellar was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk when she fell and was struck by a 2009 Chevrolet HHR making a left turn from East Greenleaf onto Long Beach Boulevard. Despite the quick arrival of emergency responders, including paramedics and sheriff's deputies, Cuellar was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Chevrolet, whose identity has not been released, stayed at the scene and fully cooperated with authorities. Preliminary investigations revealed no signs of speeding, distracted driving, or impairment. The driver’s cooperation is acknowledged as investigators strive to piece together the exact circumstances of the crash.
This tragic event has sparked discussions about pedestrian safety, especially in marked crosswalks at busy intersections. The area where the accident occurred experiences significant traffic, underscoring the need for heightened awareness among both drivers and pedestrians. The loss of Cuellar has left her family and the community deeply grieving, raising urgent concerns about measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Long Beach Police Department is actively investigating the incident and has urged anyone with information about the crash to come forward. Individuals can contact the department’s Collision Investigation Detail at 562-570-7355. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
As the investigation continues, Cuellar’s death serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance on the road. The community is urged to stay alert in high-traffic areas, and drivers are reminded to exercise extreme caution, particularly at intersections and near crosswalks. This tragic loss highlights the shared responsibility of ensuring safety for all road users, fostering a collective commitment to preventing such devastating accidents in the future.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Elvira Cuellar during this difficult time. As the investigation progresses, the hope is that findings will lead to enhanced safety measures and raise awareness about the critical importance of pedestrian safety in busy traffic areas. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available, emphasizing the need for community cooperation and vigilance to prevent such heartbreaking incidents.
