Tragic Pedestrian Death on Highway 273

A tragic fatal traffic collision occurred on the evening of February 11, 2026, claiming the life of a pedestrian on northbound Highway 273 in Anderson, California.

According to the Anderson Police Department (APD), officers responded around 9:36 p.m. to reports of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash just north of Briggs Street. Upon arrival, emergency medical services (EMS) were already on scene administering life-saving measures to the unidentified male pedestrian.

The victim was rushed to Mercy Medical Center in Redding, where he was later pronounced deceased despite efforts to save him.

Preliminary findings from the APD investigation indicate that the pedestrian was walking southbound along the northbound shoulder of Highway 273. Witnesses or evidence described him as moving in and out of traffic lanes immediately before the incident. He was struck by two separate vehicles in what appears to have been a rapid sequence of events.

Neither of the two drivers involved showed signs of impairment, and both cooperated fully with investigators before being released from the scene. No citations or arrests related to impairment or other factors have been reported at this time.

The pedestrian's identity remains withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin by the Shasta County Coroner’s Office.

The Anderson Police Department continues to actively investigate the incident. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the collision, has additional details, or possesses relevant video footage (such as from dash cams or nearby surveillance) to contact the APD Traffic Unit at (530) 378-6600.

Highway 273, a key thoroughfare connecting Anderson and nearby communities in Shasta County, has seen previous pedestrian incidents over the years, underscoring ongoing safety concerns for those traveling on foot near high-speed roads, especially at night.

This incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers pedestrians face on roadways without proper lighting, crosswalks, or visibility. Drivers are encouraged to remain vigilant, particularly in low-light conditions or areas where pedestrians may unexpectedly enter traffic lanes.

The Anderson Police Department has not released further updates on potential contributing factors, such as road conditions, weather, or the pedestrian's circumstances, as the investigation remains ongoing.

Updates may be provided as more information becomes available through official channels.