Craig Von Bargen Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identity of a pedestrian who was killed in Palm Springs after being struck by a vehicle late Friday evening. Officials confirmed the victim was 74-year-old Craig Von Bargen, a resident of Peconic, New York.

The accident was reported just after 9:30 p.m. on September 26, near the intersection of North Palm Canyon Drive and North Via Las Palmas, according to the Palm Springs Police Department. Responding officers arrived to find that Von Bargen had been hit by a vehicle while attempting to cross the roadway.

Lieutenant Gustavo Araiza explained that Von Bargen had been walking eastbound in a designated crosswalk when the collision occurred. The vehicle, traveling south on Palm Canyon Drive, struck him as he made his way across. Despite emergency response efforts, Von Bargen was fatally injured and pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators noted that the crosswalk at the intersection is equipped with a lighting system designed to alert drivers when pedestrians are crossing. However, initial findings suggest that the system was not activated at the time of the incident. Police did not immediately confirm why the signal was not used, but emphasized that its absence may have contributed to reduced visibility for the approaching driver.

Authorities have so far determined that alcohol and drugs were not factors in the crash. The identity of the driver has not been released, and police did not say whether the driver would face any charges. Investigators continue to review evidence and statements to understand the full circumstances.

The Palm Springs Police Department is urging anyone who may have witnessed the accident or who may have information relevant to the case to contact the Traffic Division at 760-323-8125. Officials believe that additional eyewitness accounts could provide important details to aid in their investigation.

Von Bargen’s death highlights the dangers pedestrians face even when using crosswalks. Safety experts frequently point out that visibility at night, combined with driver attentiveness, plays a critical role in preventing these types of tragedies. While crosswalks and lighting systems are intended to make crossings safer, they rely on both pedestrian activation and driver awareness to be effective.

The incident has left both the local community and Von Bargen’s family grieving the sudden loss. At 74, he had traveled from New York to California, though it remains unclear whether his trip was for personal or leisure purposes. Regardless, his death far from home adds an additional layer of heartbreak for his loved ones.

Palm Springs has experienced a number of pedestrian-involved crashes in recent years, reflecting a broader statewide and national trend. According to traffic safety studies, California continues to rank among the states with the highest numbers of pedestrian fatalities. Officials often urge pedestrians to use available safety systems, such as crosswalk lights, while reminding drivers to reduce speed and remain vigilant in pedestrian-heavy areas.

For now, the police investigation remains active. Detectives are expected to review surveillance footage from nearby businesses and gather further testimony from witnesses. Once the investigation is complete, authorities may provide more clarity on whether charges will be filed or if the crash will be deemed an unavoidable accident.

As the investigation continues, Von Bargen’s death stands as a sobering reminder of how quickly everyday situations, such as crossing the street, can turn tragic. The Palm Springs community now joins his family in mourning, while officials work to determine exactly how the collision unfolded.