Truly Awful Accident for Singleton

Singleton at NYC premier of Black Snake Moan on Feb.19.

Oscar-nominated director John Singleton was involved in a fatal car vs. pedestrian accident Thursday night in Hollywood. Singleton was driving his Lexus SUV when it struck a woman who suddenly stepped in front of it.

Singleton, 39, immediately stopped and waited for police.

Police spokesman Jason Lee said, "Mr. Singleton stopped and identified himself as required by law and was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol," ... "He was questioned and released."

The woman, later identified as 57-year-old Constance Russell, was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead Friday morning.

Remember Boyz N the Hood and Poetic Justice. Gawd I loved Poetic Justice (I was young) but Boyz N the Hood was nominated for two Oscars. Singleton's more recent films include the fab Hustle & Flow ("You know it's hard out here for a pimp"...) and the well-done Black Snake Moan (not to be mistaken with Snakes On a Plane).