Tragedy Strikes as Pedestrian Killed in Overnight Hit and Run in San Francisco’s Excelsior Neighborhood

Fatal Crash in the Quiet Hours of the Night
A late-night hit-and-run crash in San Francisco's Excelsior District has left one man dead and a community grieving. The incident occurred just after midnight, around 12:22 a.m., near the intersection of Mission Street and Santa Rosa Avenue—a known high-risk zone for traffic collisions.

When police arrived on the scene, they discovered a male pedestrian suffering from severe injuries. Despite immediate efforts by both first responders and concerned bystanders, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been released, pending family notification.

Driver Fled the Scene
The vehicle involved in the crash fled immediately after striking the victim. As of now, there is no description of the car or the driver, and no suspects have been named. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Witnesses described waking up to car alarms and rushing out to find the victim lying motionless on the street. One bystander had already called 911 and was trying to render aid by the time help arrived.

A Dangerous Intersection with a Troubling History
The location of the crash—Mission and Santa Rosa—falls within San Francisco’s “High Injury Network,” a small percentage of city streets responsible for the majority of traffic injuries and fatalities. According to pedestrian safety advocates, at least six injury-causing crashes have taken place at the same intersection since 2015.

Just days before this tragedy, a 77-year-old pedestrian was killed downtown at Market and 6th Streets after being struck by a scooter. That incident marked the ninth pedestrian death of the year, with seniors representing a large share of the victims.

Community Demands Safety and Justice
Pedestrian safety groups continue to raise concerns over inadequate measures to protect walkers in San Francisco, especially in neighborhoods like the Excelsior District, where traffic patterns and design flaws contribute to repeated tragedies.

As investigations continue, the community mourns yet another preventable loss of life. Residents are calling for improved safety measures and quicker action to address the dangers of San Francisco’s most hazardous intersections.