North Hollywood, CA (June 18, 2025) – A tragic crash on the US-101 Fwy in North Hollywood claimed the life of an off-duty Los Angeles County deputy early Tuesday morning, June 17.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident happened around 2:20 a.m. on June 17. Officials say 31-year-old Deputy Marcos Pena Jr. was driving a black KIA SUV when he stopped for unknown reasons. He and a female passenger exited the vehicle and were both struck by a white box truck.
Paramedics with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and pronounced Deputy Pena dead. His female passenger’s condition has not been made public.
Deputy Pena had served with the department since 2022. Sheriff Robert G. Luna issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the sudden loss, calling it a tragic and untimely death.
CHP continues to investigate the cause of the crash and asks anyone with information to contact the West Valley station.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Deputy Pena and send sincere wishes for healing to all impacted by this incident.
Fatal Highway Crashes in Los Angeles
Deadly highway collisions are an unfortunate reality in North Hollywood and across the greater Los Angeles area. High-speed routes like the
US-101 Fwy see a large number of serious accidents, often during early morning or late-night hours when visibility and reaction time are reduced. In many cases, vehicle breakdowns or unexplained stops in travel lanes can lead to deadly consequences, especially when drivers exit their vehicles.
One common risk in freeway crashes involves pedestrians or drivers outside their vehicles after a breakdown or minor collision. When someone exits a car on a high-speed road, they are extremely vulnerable. Other drivers may not expect someone on foot in the roadway, and even a moment’s delay in braking can be fatal. Law enforcement agencies strongly urge drivers to stay inside their vehicles and call for help whenever possible, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions.
In cases where a crash results in death or serious injury, families are often left searching for answers while also dealing with overwhelming grief. While no legal action can replace a loved one, wrongful death claims may offer surviving families financial relief for funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, and emotional suffering. These cases also hold at-fault parties accountable and may help prevent future tragedies.
A Los Angeles wrongful death attorney can guide victims’ families through the legal process. Skilled attorneys investigate crashes, review police reports, and may work with accident reconstruction specialists. Their goal is to determine how the crash happened and who is legally responsible. They also negotiate with insurers to seek full and fair compensation on behalf of grieving families.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal crash in Los Angeles, it’s important to understand your rights. 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.
