Brentwood, CA (June 23, 2025) – Two people, including a veteran Los Angeles Police Department sergeant, died in a crash early Monday, June 23, on the 405 Freeway southbound near Moraga Drive.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision happened around 1:58 a.m. and involved multiple vehicles, including a patrol unit. LAPD Sergeant Shiou Deng, who had served over 26 years with the department, was among those fatally injured.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said Sgt. Deng was on the freeway when he saw a crash ahead. He activated his amber lights to warn approaching drivers and stepped out to help. As he approached the wreck, another vehicle struck him.
Paramedics rushed Deng and one other person to a nearby hospital. The second victim’s condition was not immediately known. A third person was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sgt. Deng had recently been promoted and worked in the department’s West LA division. He had spent 17 years in the mental evaluation unit and was widely respected by his peers. A growing memorial outside the West LA station included flowers and photos in his honor.
Investigators are still piecing together what caused the fatal crash.
We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased victims.
Highway Collisions in Brentwood
Freeway crashes in Brentwood and throughout Southern California often involve high speeds, complex traffic patterns, and limited visibility,
especially during nighttime hours. Incidents like the one that claimed the life of Sgt. Deng highlight the dangers of roadside emergencies and how quickly things can go wrong.
The 405 Freeway is among the busiest routes in the region, making any collision there especially hazardous. When drivers slow down or exit their vehicles to help others after a crash, they place themselves at significant risk. Even with flashing lights or warnings, incoming vehicles may not see them in time. Sadly, these situations can result in secondary crashes, often with deadly outcomes.
Multi-vehicle crashes can happen for many reasons. Common causes include driver inattention, speeding, and failure to yield. In some cases, poor road lighting or a lack of visibility can contribute. Weather conditions and impaired driving also play a role, especially during overnight hours. When an emergency happens on the freeway, the time to react is often reduced to mere seconds.
For those hurt or left behind after a crash like this, the legal process may feel overwhelming and tiring. But a personal injury lawyer can help guide victims or families through the next steps. If negligence played a role in the accident—whether due to speeding, distracted driving, or another factor—the injured parties or surviving family members may be entitled to compensation.
Damages in these cases often include medical bills, lost income, funeral costs, and pain and suffering. Families of public servants killed in the line of duty may also qualify for additional benefits. A skilled wrongful death attorney from Saleh Law Group fight can also assist in gathering key evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.
If you’ve lost a loved one or suffered injuries in a crash in Brentwood, legal help is available. After you’ve been injured by a careless motorist, don’t hesitate to contact our team at 949-431-6371. We offer free consultations and will take the time to understand your story. Let Saleh Law Group fight to get you the compensation and answers you deserve.
