A member of the paparazzi learned an expensive lesson on New Year's Day. A photographer was killed while trying to obtain photos of the white Ferrari owned by pap magnet and pop singer Justin Bieber. The Biebs was not in the car, which was pulled over for a routine traffic stop, at the time.

According to TMZ, one of the singer's friends was driving, with another friend in the passenger seat. Wow, The Biebs is certainly trusting of his friends, letting them borrow his incredibly expensive and flashy sports car, one that certainly draws interest from tabloid photogs.

The pap was attempting to shoot photos of the vehicle when he was hit by another car and killed.

Here's what apparently happened. The Ferrari was pulled over by the cops in a routine traffic stop on Sepulveda Blvd. in Los Angeles, and the photog was trying to capture images. The authorities asked the shooter to move away, since the situation was unsafe. At some point, the photographer was hit by an oncoming vehicle and killed.

Sources indicate that drugs or alcohol were not a factor for the driver of the vehicle that struck and killed the paparazzo.

The LAPD is now investigating the incident.

Bieber released a statement this morning (Jan. 2) regarding the tragic incident. "While I was not present nor directly involved with this tragic accident, my thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim," Bieber said. "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."

The Biebs' battles with the paparazzi are well-documented. He was involved in a dangerous highway chase with a snapper over the summer, which resulted in unsafe conditions for other motorists and himself. The photographer faced charges and a law regarding the pursuit of celeb photos.

Like Bieber stated, let's hope that this tragic incident results in even stricter laws regarding paparazzi seeking photos of celebs. No one should lose their life trying to get a picture.

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