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, June 17 morning.
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 personal injury or 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.
often leave injured victims without the help they need in those first critical moments. This can lead to delays in medical care, financial uncertainty, and ongoing trauma.
Hit-and-run collisions are a troubling issue across California, often leaving victims without immediate answers or accountability. These incidents can lead to severe injuries and complex insurance claims. State records show thousands of hit-and-run crashes occur each year, many of them involving pedestrians or late-night drivers. Victims may face extensive medical recovery and emotional stress as they work to uncover who is responsible.
California continues to experience a high number of motor vehicle accidents annually. With its large population and extensive road network, crashes are unfortunately common across both urban and rural areas. State data shows that tens of thousands of accidents each year result in injury, creating significant challenges for those involved and their families. Many of these collisions take place in the early morning hours, as seen in this recent incident.
Car crashes are a leading cause of injury and emergency room visits across California. Thousands of incidents are reported each year, with many resulting in lasting injuries or major vehicle damage. According to state data, California sees over 200,000 injury collisions annually. These crashes occur on both busy highways and local streets, and often involve driver distraction, speeding, or impaired driving.
California continues to experience a high number of motor vehicle crashes each year, largely due to its vast road network and population. In 2023, the state saw over 150,000 injury crashes, many of which occurred on major freeways like the I-405. With congested traffic and frequent lane changes, California freeways are often hotspots for collisions that can lead to severe or long-term injuries.
Motor vehicle accidents are a regular occurrence across California, with many resulting in serious injuries. The California Highway Patrol tracks thousands of collisions each year involving injuries that affect drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Even a momentary lapse in attention or poor road conditions can lead to unexpected consequences for all involved.
In California, motor vehicle crashes remain one of the most reported incidents leading to injuries and loss. According to the state’s Office of Traffic Safety, California saw more than 150,000 injury-related car accidents in a recent year alone. These accidents often disrupt lives, burden families, and can result in long-term medical or financial challenges.
Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of injuries in California. With high traffic volumes across the state, incidents like this are unfortunately common. In 2023, over 150,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes statewide, with many collisions occurring at intersections and high-traffic zones. These incidents not only lead to physical harm but often result in financial and emotional stress.
California has one of the highest rates of vehicle collisions in the country. With millions of vehicles on the road each day, accidents are unfortunately common across the state. In 2022 alone, California saw over 200,000 injuries from traffic-related incidents. Factors like dense traffic, aggressive driving habits, and distracted driving all contribute to this growing issue.