Pedestrian struck on highway in Encinitas dies

A 34-year-old man identified Dec. 26 as Zachari A. Tatsey, died Christmas Day of injuries he suffered last week, when a vehicle struck him as he crossed a highway in Encinitas, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Tatsey, who lived in Encinitas, was attempting to cross South Coast Highway 101 west of the San Elijo Lagoon about 10:20 p.m. Dec. 21 when a vehicle hit him, authorities said.

Early investigation indicated that Tatsey was wearing dark clothes and was not using a crosswalk when the vehicle struck him, sheriff’s Sgt. Scott Bligh said at the time.

The driver, who stopped after the crash, was not suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Bligh said.

Rescuers took Tatsey to Scripps Memorial Hospital with serious injuries, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office. He died there shortly before 5 p.m. Dec. 25.