Mario Anthony Muniz, a 54-year-old man, was killed in a tragic pedestrian crash on the night of Wednesday, February 4, 2026, along northbound Interstate 5 near Balboa Park in San Diego, California. The incident occurred around 9:25 p.m. near the Sixth Avenue off-ramp, a busy area that connects downtown San Diego to the surrounding neighborhoods. According to the California Highway Patrol, Muniz was on foot in the traffic lanes when he was struck by multiple vehicles.
Initial reports indicate that Muniz was first hit by a Chrysler Voyager traveling northbound. The driver of the Voyager remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. However, a second vehicle, believed to be a van, also struck Muniz and fled the scene without stopping. Authorities are still working to identify the second driver and vehicle involved in the collision.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the crash and found Muniz with severe injuries. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed that Muniz died from multiple blunt force injuries. His city of residence has not been publicly disclosed at this time.
The crash has raised concerns about pedestrian safety along the I-5 corridor, particularly in areas like Balboa Park where foot traffic and freeway access points intersect. While it remains unclear why Muniz was walking on the freeway, the incident has prompted renewed calls for improved pedestrian barriers and increased public awareness about the dangers of freeway access on foot.
As the investigation continues, the California Highway Patrol is urging anyone with information about the hit-and-run driver or the circumstances leading up to the crash to come forward. Surveillance footage from nearby traffic cameras is being reviewed, and authorities are hopeful that tips from the public will help identify the second vehicle involved.
Friends and family of Muniz are mourning the sudden and tragic loss. Known for his work as a real estate developer and consultant through his firm, DFA Development LLC, Muniz was respected in his professional circles. His death has left a void in both his personal and professional communities, and tributes have begun to appear online in his memory.
