SANTA MONICA—A traffic accident on August 22 left a 62 year-old woman dead. According to the Santa Monica Police Department, the collision occurred at approximately 11:55 a.m. between a pedestrian and another vehicle. An early investigation indicated the driver of a stake bed landing truck struck the woman in the walkway, West of Crescent Bay Park/Lot 4 South ( 2030 Ocean Avenue).
Canyon News spoke with Sgt. Rudy Camarena from the SMPD via email about the incident. “The investigation is on-going to determine whether criminal liability attaches,” said Sgt. Camarena. He indicated that speed was not a factor in the accident.
The victim, Janet Kathleen Watson Lilliott suffered major trauma to her upper body and head. Lilliott worked as a West Coast Care volunteer who provided care and services to homeless residents in the City of Santa Monica. Lilliott was pronounced dead on the scene by Santa Monica Fire Department Paramedics.
Authorities indicated that the driver of the truck was backing up when he felt the truck sway. He exited the vehicle to check what had transpired and found the victim. The SMPD, Major Accident Response Team, along with the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office is conducting a full investigation. Anyone with information on the incident can contact Traffic Collision Investigator Jason Olson at (310) 458-8954 or Sergeant Phillbo Rubish at (310) 458-8950.
