A tragic accident claimed the life of 75-year-old Elvira Cuellar of Compton on Friday afternoon in Long Beach. The incident occurred at approximately 4 p.m. at the intersection of East Greenleaf and Long Beach boulevards, just north of the 91 Freeway. Cuellar was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk when the unfortunate events unfolded.
According to the Long Beach Police Department, Cuellar fell to the ground while in the crosswalk. A 2009 Chevrolet HHR, making a left turn from East Greenleaf onto Long Beach Boulevard, struck her while she was on the ground. Emergency responders, including paramedics and sheriff’s deputies, arrived quickly, but despite their efforts, Cuellar was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Chevrolet, whose identity has not been released, remained at the scene and fully cooperated with authorities. Preliminary investigations revealed no signs of speeding, distracted driving, or impairment contributing to the collision. The driver’s cooperation has been acknowledged as investigators work to determine the exact circumstances of the crash.
This incident has sparked discussions about pedestrian safety, especially in marked crosswalks at busy intersections. The area where the accident occurred experiences significant traffic, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness among both drivers and pedestrians. The loss of Cuellar has left her family and community grieving, while raising concerns about measures to prevent similar tragedies.
The Long Beach Police Department is continuing its investigation and has encouraged anyone with information about the crash to come forward. Individuals can contact the department’s Collision Investigation Detail at 562-570-7355. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
As the investigation progresses, Cuellar’s death serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance on the road. The community is urged to stay alert in high-traffic areas, and drivers are reminded to exercise caution, particularly at intersections and near crosswalks. This tragic loss highlights the shared responsibility of ensuring safety for all road users, fostering a collective commitment to preventing such devastating accidents in the future.