Security camera footage at PCH and Blue Lantern shows the van involved in Sunday’s hit-and-run, which left a motorcyclist dead. Photo: Courtesy of Orange County Sheriff’s Department
By Cameron Sadeghi
A 32-year-old motorcyclist died Sunday following a hit-and-run collision on the Doheny Park Road on-ramp to northbound Pacific Coast Highway. The motorcyclist has been identified as Joseph Salazar of Mira Loma, according to an Orange County Coroner press release.
At about 4:42 p.m. on March 13, Salazar, driving a 2016 Harley Davidson, and a man driving a Mercedes Sprinter van entered the northbound Doheny Park Road on-ramp to Pacific Coast Highway, with the van entering ahead of the motorcycle. As Salazar approached the curve on the single-lane ramp, he applied the brakes and skidded approximately 40 feet before losing control of his motorcycle. Salazar was ejected from the motorcycle, the press release said. The driver of the Mercedes van struck Salazar, stopping briefly before fleeing the scene.
Salazar was transported to Mission Hospital. Despite wearing a full-face helmet, he did not recover from his injuries and died three hours later.
The California Highway Patrol is investigating whether alcohol and drugs may have played a role in the fatal collision.
CHP is asking for help identifying the hit-and-run driver. The van was described as an older model, white in color with black trim—it may have damage on the right side.
Anyone with information regarding the van is asked to call CHP at 949.487.4000