Photographer Chris Guerra was tragically killed by a car in traffic on New Years Day while trying to photograph Justin Bieber's car. He apparently did not know that Bieber was not in the car at the time.
Key facts surrounding the incident:
- The photographer killed was 29-year-old Chris Guerra, who was walking across the street at the time.
- Denver Post reports that the 69-year-old driver who struck Guerra was driving a Toyota Highlander, and that her two young grandchildren were in the back seat.
- TMZ reports that Bieber's friend, 19-year-old rapper Lil Twist, was behind the wheel of Bieber's pulled-over Ferrari.
- The accident happened between 5pm and 6pm.
- Motor Authority reports that Bieber's car was pulled over on the 405 freeway, but the photographer was struck on Sepulveda Boulevard. Police and paramedics tried to revive the victim on the scene, but a local hospital pronounced him dead upon arrival.
- Bieber's car is a white Ferrari 458 Italia.
- NBC News wrote that a photograph of Bieber would have only fetched $100. It is not known whether the photographer had another motive in pursuing the car.
- She Knows reports that Chris Guerra was single and had no children. Guerra was apparently warned twice by the CHP officer before turning back towards his car, and he was struck on the way back.
- Miley Cyrus tweeted about the incident: "Hope this paparazzi/JB accident brings on some changes in '13 Paparazzi are dangerous! Wasn't Princess Di enough of a wake up call?! It is unfair for anyone to put this on to Justin's conscious as well! This was bound to happen! Your mom teaches u when your a child not to play in the street! The chaos that comes with the paparazzi acting like fools makes it impossible for anyone to make safe choices."
Bieber sent his condolences to the Guerra family in a statement that was released Thursday.
