An 80-year-old woman from La Mesa, California, died on May 13, 2026, after being struck by a vehicle while walking near the driveway of a Costco store. Saba Berhane was transported to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries.
The collision occurred shortly after 12 p.m. at the Costco warehouse located at 8125 Fletcher Parkway. Police said Berhane was walking across the driveway in front of the store when a vehicle attempting to turn right from the parking lot onto Fletcher Parkway struck her.
Emergency responders found Berhane unconscious at the scene and rushed her to a nearby hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead. The La Mesa Police Department confirmed that the driver remained at the location and cooperated with investigators. Authorities stated that drugs and alcohol did not appear to be factors in the crash. The California Highway Patrol is assisting with the investigation.
Witnesses reported that Berhane had been walking along the sidewalk near Fletcher Parkway when the vehicle exited the parking lot. The busy commercial area near Lake Murray is known for heavy traffic and frequent pedestrian activity. Safety advocates have raised concerns about pedestrian protection in high-volume retail corridors. No information about the driver, including name, age, or gender, has been publicly released.
Community members have expressed grief over Berhane’s death, describing her as a beloved elder whose presence enriched her family and neighborhood. Tributes emphasize her kindness and the shock of losing her in such a sudden and preventable accident. No details about her occupation, survivors, or funeral arrangements have been publicly released. The family has requested privacy.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities review evidence and witness statements. Officials have not indicated whether charges will be filed against the driver. The tragedy has prompted renewed calls for improved pedestrian safety measures in La Mesa, particularly in busy shopping areas like Fletcher Parkway. No further updates on the case have been provided.
Anyone with information about the collision is encouraged to contact the La Mesa Police Department or the California Highway Patrol. Berhane was 80 years old. She was walking near a Costco driveway when she was struck. Those are the details her loved ones are sharing as they mourn. The investigation remains active. No additional information has been released.
