On Sunday, October 11, at approximately 8:15 p.m., the Newport Beach Police Department’s Dispatch Center was advised of a traffic collision near the intersection of Rutland Road and Westcliff Drive. The collision involved a pedestrian and a silver Lexus SUV. The pedestrian was proceeding southbound on Rutland Road, crossing Westcliff Drive inside the marked crosswalk, when the collision occurred. The vehicle, which was occupied by an adult male driver and a minor female passenger, was proceeding eastbound on Westcliff Drive.
The pedestrian, who has been identified as 45-year-old Donald Fuschetti of Lake Elsinore, sustained life-threatening injuries during the collision. He was transported to a trauma center by Newport Beach Fire Department personnel but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 11:15 p.m. the same evening.
The driver of the Lexus remained on scene and was cooperative with investigators. Neither of the vehicle occupants required medical attention. Although the investigation is still open and ongoing, it does not appear that drugs or alcohol were contributing factors.
The circumstances of the collision are still under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact Investigator Dave Darling at 949-644-3746 or [email protected].
