SoCal Edison worker fatally struck by car in Lancaster identified

LANCASTER, Calif. (KABC) -- The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner on Sunday identified a Southern California Edison worker who was struck and killed by a car while on the job in Lancaster.

The man was 56-year-old Quartz Hill resident Gerald Joseph Smith, said Rudy Molano of the county coroner's office.

On Friday, the driver of an older model BMW was traveling westbound on Avenue K when he lost control and struck the utility worker, who was working on the ground near a power pole.

The crash happened at 20th Street East and Avenue K, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

SoCal Edison tweeted it was saddened by the loss of Smith and said "thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to extricate the driver, who is in his 20s, according to officials. He suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital. His condition was unknown Sunday.

Investigators said alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the crash.