Point Loma Heights crash kills pedestrian near Nimitz and West Point Loma; hit-and-run investigation continues

What happened

A pedestrian was killed in a pre-dawn collision in the Point Loma Heights area of San Diego, after being struck by a vehicle near the intersection of Nimitz Boulevard and West Point Loma Boulevard. The driver left the scene, and the case is being investigated as a hit-and-run.

Police reported the collision occurred around 4:49 a.m. on Dec. 5, 2024, in the 4500 block of Nimitz Boulevard, near West Point Loma Boulevard. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was described as a 20-year-old and was not publicly identified at the time of the initial reports.

Vehicles and sequence described by investigators

Investigators said the pedestrian was running eastbound on West Point Loma Boulevard and entered the Nimitz Boulevard crossing against a red signal. The pedestrian was then struck by a black 2018 BMW traveling southbound on Nimitz Boulevard. Officers also reported accounts from witnesses indicating the BMW may have been traveling at a high rate of speed and may have been racing with at least one other vehicle.

Witness statements referenced a white Ford Mustang as a possible second vehicle involved in racing behavior before the crash. Investigators also indicated there may have been a third vehicle, though officials said that aspect was not confirmed during early stages of the investigation as they worked to review available camera footage and determine right-of-way.

Search for the driver and vehicle recovery

About 30 minutes after the collision, police located a damaged BMW that had been abandoned in the 3500 block of Canon Street. The vehicle was described as having heavy front-end damage. Separate reporting also described the car as being found abandoned on Canon Street south of Del Mar Avenue, and indicated the vehicle was located by law-enforcement personnel assigned to the nearby naval base.

Traffic impacts and location context

The collision prompted major traffic disruptions on Nimitz Boulevard while the scene was processed. Police closed portions of the roadway for an extended period as investigators documented evidence and conducted follow-up.

The crash occurred near a heavily traveled corridor connecting Point Loma, Ocean Beach, and Midway-area routes. The intersection area has a history of collisions; regional crash mapping for 2011 through 2022 recorded 60 collisions at the Nimitz Boulevard and West Point Loma Boulevard intersection, including one fatal pedestrian collision during that period.

What investigators are trying to determine

• Whether street racing or another form of reckless driving contributed to the crash.
• The identity of the driver who left the scene and any additional vehicles involved.
• The final determination of right-of-way and any violations contributing to the collision.

Police urged anyone with information about the vehicle or driver to contact the San Diego Police Department traffic investigators.