Update!

Justin Bieber Paparazzo Killed While Trying to Shoot Photos of Singer's Car

Photographer was crossing street after snapping pics of the pop star's vehicle, which had been pulled over

By Alexis L. Loinaz Jan 02, 2013 6:00 PMTags
Justin BieberKarl Larsen/INFphoto.com

A photographer was killed after being struck by a car while trying to snap photos of Justin Bieber's Ferrari Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Per the Los Angeles Times, Bieber wasn't behind the wheel of the vehicle at the time of the incident.

The photographer, whose identity has yet to be disclosed by police, was reportedly attempting to shoot pictures of the pop star's car, which had been pulled over for a routine traffic stop shortly before 6 p.m.

Watch: Police Talks Bieber Paparazzo Death

As he crossed Sepulveda Boulevard to head back to his vehicle, he was reportedly hit by another car.

The photographer was taken to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where he later died. Police are currently investigating the incident, and no arrests have reportedly been made.

In a statement to E! News, Bieber said, "While I was not present nor directly involved with this tragic accident, my thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim."

The 18-year-old hitmaker added, "Hopefully this tragedy will finally inspire meaningful legislation and whatever other necessary steps to protect the lives and safety of celebrities, police officers, innocent public bystanders and the photographers themselves."

AKM-GSI

Miley Cyrus also weighed in on the tragedy, tweeting: "Hope this paparazzi/JB accident brings on some changes in '13 Paparazzi are dangerous! Wasn't Princess Di enough of a wake up call?!"

Those pleas were not lost on Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine, who, in a statement to E! News, addressed the need for stronger legislation safeguarding the well-being of shutterbugs and the celebrities they cover.

"This incident is a tragedy for all involved and I send my condolences to the family of the young man who died," he said. "I have sought to avoid these types of situations by pushing for legislation that would protect the general public, celebrities and paparazzi alike. Unfortunately, the State law that passed in 2010 was not successful in a recent court case, so I would urge our State legislators to revisit the statute and make amendments in order to strengthen it and make it more effective."

This past summer, a paparazzo was charged with reckless driving after getting into a high-speed car case with Bieber—the first photographer to be busted under California's 2010 law lobbing increased penalties at paparazzi for reckless driving.

A judge later dismissed the two misdemeanor charges.

(Originally published on Jan. 2, 2013, at 4:37 a.m. PT.)