[07-20-2025] Riverside County, CA – Woman Struck and Killed by Suspected DUI Driver on I-215 in Murrieta

A 44-year-old woman was fatally struck by a suspected DUI driver after exiting her vehicle to inspect damage on Interstate 215 in Murrieta on Sunday morning, July 20, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. on southbound I-215, just north of Murrieta Hot Springs Road.

The woman, identified as Gladys M. of Lake Elsinore, had been driving a 2014 Nissan Murano when she struck a water-filled traffic control barrel in a freeway construction zone.

CHP Officer Russ Robertson stated that Gladys M. was outside her vehicle, checking for damage, when a 2004 Honda Accord entered the construction area and struck her. The male driver fled the scene.

Murrieta Fire & Rescue arrived within 15 minutes and pronounced the woman dead at the scene. A male passenger in the Nissan was not injured.

Investigators gathered evidence identifying the suspect vehicle and served an arrest warrant at the driver’s residence later that afternoon. The man was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta on suspicion of DUI, gross vehicular manslaughter, and hit-and-run.

The suspect’s identity and bail information have not been released. The crash remains under investigation.

Contact Our DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Murrieta, CA

Fatal crashes involving suspected impaired drivers are tragic and life-changing for the families left behind. When someone is struck and killed while outside their vehicle, it often raises painful questions about accountability, safety, and what can be done to seek justice.

Our DUI accident victim lawyers in Murrieta can help surviving family members understand what legal steps may be available after a fatal collision. An attorney may assist with reviewing CHP reports, preserving evidence, and helping determine whether a wrongful death claim might be appropriate. While no outcome is ever guaranteed, having legal support during this time may ease some of the burden while your family processes the loss.

If you have lost a loved one in a suspected DUI crash, you may contact us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

Steps To Take After A Fatal DUI Pedestrian Accident

When a loved one is killed in a crash involving a suspected impaired driver, the emotional toll is overwhelming. At the same time, families are often faced with sudden legal, financial, and procedural matters. Taking the following steps may help protect your rights and support any future claims.

1. Request the Official Crash Report
   The California Highway Patrol typically prepares a detailed report for fatal collisions. Requesting this report may help clarify how the crash occurred, what witnesses reported, and what evidence was collected.
2. Obtain Medical And Death-Related Records
   Collect hospital records, the death certificate, and any available documentation from first responders or the coroner’s office. These records may be necessary for insurance purposes or legal proceedings.
3. Preserve Evidence And Personal Items
   If you have access to the vehicle or any of your loved one’s belongings from the crash, try to keep them in their current condition. Photos, personal effects, or anything from the scene might become important later on.
4. Be Cautious With Insurance Communication
   Insurance companies may reach out quickly. Before accepting any settlement or providing a formal statement, you may want to speak with someone who can help assess whether the offer reflects the full impact of the loss.
5. Consider Legal Guidance
   A wrongful death attorney may assist with investigating the crash, identifying all responsible parties, and explaining your legal rights. Early legal support might help your family make informed decisions while preserving your ability to act if needed.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

In 2020, alcohol-impaired driving crashes caused 11,654 deaths across the United States. That means nearly 1 in 3 traffic-related deaths that year involved alcohol. Compared to 2019, this marked an increase of more than 14 percent. On average, 32 people lose their lives in alcohol-related crashes every day, about one person every 45 minutes.

The financial impact of these accidents was also significant. The total estimated cost of deaths caused by alcohol-impaired drivers in 2020 was around $123.3 billion. This figure includes medical expenses and the projected value of lives lost.

While it’s difficult to measure exactly how many crashes involve drug-impaired drivers, some studies offer important insight. One study examined 4,243 seriously injured drivers treated at trauma centers between September 2019 and July 2021. More than half of them tested positive for alcohol and/or drugs. The most commonly found substances were alcohol, marijuana, opioids, stimulants, and sedatives.

These numbers highlight a clear connection between impaired driving and serious or fatal crashes. Raising awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence remains critical for protecting everyone on the road.