Paparazzo Killed While Attempting to Photograph Justin Bieber; Pop Star Issues Statement

MTV.com Reports that a member of the paparazzo was killed as he attempted to snap a photograph of pop star's Justin Bieber's Ferrari. The incident happened on New Year's day.

According to CNN, the cameraman believed that Bieber was in the white sports car and was struck and kiled by an oncoming car as he attempted to cross a busy Los Angelees Freeway in order to snap the photo.

The singer offered his prayers and condolences to the family of the photographer, and urged that legislation be passed in order to ensure the safety of celebrities.

"While I was not present nor directly involved with this tragic accident, my thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim," said Bieber in statement. According to CNN, the unnamed photographer allegedly thought he saw Bieber sitting in the white Ferrari and was struck by oncoming traffic as he walked across a Los Angeles Freeway to get back to his car after snapping photos of the car.

He continued, "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."

This is not the first incident involving agressive paparazzi and the 18-year-old pop star. In July, a group of photographers chased Bieber down an LA Freeway at high speeds. At the time, an LA city councilman called the incident a "tragedy waiting to happen."