The accident happened at the intersection of Stanford Street and Orange Avenue just after 6:30 a.m. Police say the 75-year-old man was crossing the street when the vehicle slammed into him.
The impact sent his body flying about 30 feet. His family lives just a couple blocks from the accident scene.
The victim's family identified him as Miguel Chavez Ceja. He used a cane to get around.
"He was a great man, very religious," said the victim's son-in-law Pablo Hernandez. "He didn't deserve to die that way."According to the family, Ceja spent his time between Orange County and Mexico, and had only been in Santa Ana for about four months. He leaves behind 10 children.
Police say based on the evidence at the scene, the car that hit him was a dark blue 1995 BMW 740iL. It is missing a side mirror, and it likely has heavy damage to the front end and left driver's side.
Anyone with information is urged to call Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS.