Paso Robles Man Mark Lee Rogers Killed in Hit-Run Incident on Highway 135 Near Orcutt Early Sunday

Accident – Death – Obituary News : A tragic incident occurred early Sunday morning in Orcutt, resulting in the death of a pedestrian who has now been identified as Mark Lee Rogers, a 33-year-old Paso Robles man. The incident involved a hit-and-run driver who fled the scene on southbound Highway 135, just south of Rice Ranch Road, according to Raquel Zick, the spokeswoman for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Bureau.

At approximately 12:34 a.m., officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) were alerted to a report of a pedestrian lying in the roadway. Upon arrival, both CHP officers and Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered the lifeless body of a male pedestrian within the traffic lanes, as confirmed by CHP Officer Brian Barriga.

A preliminary investigation suggests that the pedestrian suffered fatal injuries after being struck by at least one vehicle. Unfortunately, the involved vehicle or vehicles fled the scene before the arrival of CHP officers, leaving behind a devastating and heart-wrenching scene. The investigation into this hit-and-run incident remains ongoing.

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this incident to come forward and contact the CHP’s Santa Maria area office. Officer Maria Barriga can be reached at 805.349.8728. Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could prove crucial in helping the investigation progress and bring justice to the victim and their grieving family.

As a result of the incident, southbound Highway 135 had to be temporarily closed by Caltrans for approximately one hour, starting at 2 a.m. on Sunday. This closure was necessary to facilitate the on-scene investigation conducted by law enforcement authorities.

The loss of a life in such a tragic manner is always a cause for deep sorrow and reflection. Pedestrian fatalities in hit-and-run incidents are particularly distressing, as they highlight the callousness and disregard for human life exhibited by those who choose to flee the scene instead of rendering aid or taking responsibility for their actions. It is crucial that the responsible party or parties be held accountable for their actions, as hit-and-run incidents not only rob families of their loved ones but also erode the trust and safety within our communities.

The local authorities, along with the CHP, are committed to fully investigating this incident and bringing those responsible to justice. The community’s cooperation and assistance in providing any relevant information can play a vital role in achieving this outcome. Together, we can send a clear message that hit-and-run incidents will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions.

In the wake of this tragedy, it is important for all road users to exercise caution and remain vigilant. Pedestrians should use designated crosswalks and sidewalks whenever possible, while drivers must adhere to speed limits and always be prepared to yield to pedestrians. By working together and prioritizing safety, we can strive to prevent future accidents and tragedies on our roads..