A paparazzo was fatally struck by a car after taking photos of Justin Bieber’s white Ferrari during a traffic stop Tuesday, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Shortly before 6 p.m., California Highway Patrol officers had pulled over the Ferrari for allegedly speeding on the 405 Freeway near the Getty Center.
The 18-year-old Canadian singer was not in the vehicle during the traffic stop, LAPD Commander Andrew Smith reported. Officers say a friend of Bieber’s was driving the vehicle. TMZ claims that friend was rapper Lil Twist.
The paparazzo, who TMZ identified as 29-year-old Chris Guerra, reportedly parked his SUV on Sepulveda Boulevard and ran across the street to get a better view of the Ferrari as it sat parked on the freeway.
CHP officers twice asked Guerra to move away because the situation was unsafe.
Guerra eventually turned to go back to his car but was hit by an oncoming SUV before he could reach his vehicle. According to the LAPD, the photographer didn’t look before crossing the street.
Paramedics tried to resuscitate the photographer at the scene. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The driver of the SUV stopped immediately and tried to help. The driver was not found to be at fault and did not show signs of being under the influence, according to the LAPD.
LAPD officers are investigating the man’s death.
“While I was not present nor directly involved with this tragic accident, my thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim. Hopefully this tragedy will finally inspire meaningful legislation,” Bieber said in a statement.
Singer Miley Cyrus made her position on the situation known on Twitter:
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