Veronica Vasquez, a 62-year-old woman from Redwood City, was fatally struck by a vehicle while walking in a crosswalk at the intersection of South El Camino Real and 17th Avenue in San Mateo on the morning of January 23, 2026. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, she did not survive her injuries.
The collision occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. when a motorist attempted to make a northbound turn from Bovet Road onto South El Camino Real. As the driver entered the intersection, the vehicle struck Vasquez, who was crossing in the designated north crosswalk. Witnesses reported that the impact left her critically injured, prompting immediate calls to emergency services.
San Mateo Police Department officers responded quickly to the scene, where they found Vasquez suffering from severe trauma. Paramedics transported her to a local hospital, but despite medical intervention, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, which authorities noted as an important factor in the ongoing inquiry.
The intersection of South El Camino Real and 17th Avenue is a busy corridor in San Mateo, known for heavy traffic and frequent pedestrian crossings. Residents have long expressed concerns about safety in the area, particularly during peak hours when visibility and driver attentiveness are often compromised. The tragic incident has reignited discussions about pedestrian safety measures along El Camino Real, a major thoroughfare that runs through several Bay Area communities.
The San Mateo County Coroner’s Office confirmed Vasquez’s identity later that day, officially notifying her family of the devastating loss. Friends and neighbors described her as a kind and caring individual who was deeply connected to her community. Her death has left loved ones mourning and has underscored the vulnerability of pedestrians in high-traffic zones.
As the investigation continues, authorities are examining factors such as driver speed, visibility, and road conditions at the time of the crash. While no charges have yet been announced, the San Mateo Police Department has emphasized that the case remains open and that further details will be released as evidence is reviewed. For now, the community grieves the loss of Veronica Vasquez, whose life ended suddenly in a place where she should have been safe.