81-year-old struck and killed by car

The California Highway Patrol reported Monday that an 81-year-old man was struck and killed by a driver in Santa Cruz this weekend.

The accident happened around 7:40 p.m. Saturday and forced the closure of Highway 152 in all directions for about 90 minutes.

According to the CHP, Yajaira Villaruel, 31, was driving at 2007 Nissan Xterra eastbound on Highway 152 when she struck an 81-year-old man who was crossing the road near Bridge Street. The victim, whose name was not immediately released, was airlifted to a hospital, where he died of his injuries early Sunday morning.

The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. The CHP says drugs and/or alcohol are not believed to be a factor in the collision. The accident is still under investigation.