SOUTH WHITTIER – An elderly man died early Friday after being struck by a car on Telegraph Road, authorities said.

The man, who appeared to be in his early- to mid-80s, was struck about 5:30 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of Telegraph Road, between Victoria and Mills avenue, in the unincorporated county area of South Whittier, California Highway Patrol officials said.

His name was not available pending positive identification and notification of his family.

Rescuers took the man to an Orange County hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later, CHP Sgt. Tom Pontes said.

He was crossing mid-block, without a crosswalk, when he was struck by a a 2008 Ford Focus being driven by a 39-year-old Whittier woman, who was unhurt, Pontes said.

Sunrise did not occur until about 6:30 a.m., so it was still dark out when the man was struck, he added.

Nothing criminal was initially suspected, however the investigation remained in it’s early stages, the sergeant said.

Officials issued a Sig Alert for the eastbound lanes of Telegraph Road for about an hour as they investigated the scene, CHP Officer Ed Jacobs said.

The investigation was being carried out by officers from the Santa Fe Springs office of the CHP, and any witnesses were asked to contact them at 562-868-0503.