PARADISE, Calif. — Police in Paradise are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a local resident on Saturday evening, leaving the community in mourning. The collision occurred between 7:40 p.m. and 7:46 p.m. at the intersection of Clark Road and Pearson Road, a busy area known for frequent evening traffic.
According to the Paradise Police Department (PPD), officers and emergency crews were dispatched after receiving reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. When they arrived, they found the victim, later identified as 34-year-old Troy Upton of Paradise, suffering from critical injuries. First responders began life-saving measures and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Authorities said the vehicle fled the scene before officers arrived, and investigators are now working urgently to locate the driver responsible. As of Sunday, police have not released details regarding the vehicle’s make, model, or color. “Finding and holding the person accountable is our top priority,” the department stated in a press release. Officers are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras to track the suspect vehicle’s movements following the crash.
Investigators have not determined whether speed, lighting conditions, or driver impairment played a role in the collision. The area of Clark and Pearson Roads was temporarily closed while officers examined the scene and collected evidence, but it has since reopened to traffic. Police are urging anyone with dashcam or security footage, or who may have seen a suspicious vehicle leaving the area around the time of the crash, to contact the PPD at (530) 872-6241. Even minor details, they said, could prove crucial in solving the case.
The tragic loss of Upton has shaken residents of Paradise, a town still rebuilding from past challenges. Neighbors and friends described him as a kind, hardworking man who loved the outdoors and was always willing to lend a hand. Messages of condolence have poured in on social media, with many calling for drivers to be more cautious and aware of pedestrians, especially at night.
In a public statement, the Paradise Police Department extended its deepest sympathies to Upton’s family and reminded drivers that leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime. The investigation remains ongoing, and police hope public cooperation will help bring justice to Upton’s loved ones. Authorities stressed that the tragedy underscores the importance of road safety and community vigilance in preventing future losses.