Updated March 6:

CV Weekly has confirmed that the employee of Foothill Car Wash who was struck by a vehicle on Wednesday afternoon has died, most likely from injuries sustained from the accident, at 8:38 p.m. on Wednesday night.

A fundraising effort has been started to help the family of the deceased man with expenses. Donations can be sent to Foothill Car Wash, 2355 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada, CA 91011. In the memo section write For Employee’s Family. Those with questions can email foothillautowash@gmail.com.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact Sgt. Brooks at (818) 248-3464.

By Mary O’KEEFE

A call came into the California Highway Patrol at 3:12 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon concerning a pedestrian struck by a vehicle then landed in the westbound lane of traffic on Foothill Boulevard, according to CHP Officer Ramirez.

According to Sgt. Thomas Brooks, a tan Mercury sedan had gone through the car wash unmanned and came to the end of the wash. A car wash employee got into the vehicle; however, the car mat had apparently gotten wedged affecting the accelerator, which caused the car to speed forward striking another vehicle and hitting another employee. The victim was thrown about 25 feet, landing into the lane of traffic. The victim was transported to Huntington Hospital in serious condition.

A woman who was sitting at the car wash waiting area said that, as the Mercury sedan came to the end of the car wash, she witnessed it “jerk” forward and then suddenly come out of the car wash. She saw it hit the back of a parked Mercedes, then hit the employee.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact Sgt. Brooks at (818) 248-3464.

Photos by Mary O’KEEFE