Fatal Pedestrian Accident Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano

Hit-and-Run Driver Sought in Fatal Crash on Ortega Highway

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (Aug. 17, 2026) — An unidentified man died early Monday in a pedestrian accident on Ortega Highway, a half mile east of the Interstate 5 Freeway in San Juan Capistrano.

The deadly, hit-and-run collision occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 17th, near St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Authorities stated the injured man went down in the roadway near La Novia Avenue and the involved driver fled the scene without stopping to help him.

Paramedics responded; however, the man died at the scene.

Detectives are working to locate the suspect who fled and will identity the victim after relatives are notified.

Got Legal Questions? Get Answers: 1-800-208-3538

When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).