According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, Leonel Mateo, 52, was among three people killed in the incident that took place at around 12:11 p.m. February 5, at the 99 Ranch Market located in the 1350 block of S. Westwood Boulevard
Westwood, CA – Authorities have released the identity of the third person killed in an incident where a vehicle crashed into a supermarket in Westwood on Thursday afternoon.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, Leonel Mateo, 52, was among three people killed in the incident that took place at around 12:11 p.m. February 5, at the 99 Ranch Market located in the 1350 block of S. Westwood Boulevard.
The other two victims had earlier been identified as Deris Renjo, 42, and Zih Dao, 28. All three died at the scene and store officials confirmed that two of them were employees while the third was a customer.
At least six other parties were injured and four of them were transported to hospitals. Two of them were in critical condition while the other two had moderate injuries, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The Mercedes driver and the bicyclist declined medical transport.
Preliminary investigations show that a 92-year-old woman driving a Mercedes sedan struck a bicyclist and slammed into the front door of the sedan.
Authorities spoke with the driver of the Mercedes and no arrests were made. The cause of the accident is under an active investigation.
Original Story
Los Angeles, CA – Three people were killed and six others injured after a car struck a bicyclist and then crashed into a 99 Ranch Market grocery store at an intersection in Westwood, Thursday afternoon, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The deadly collision occurred at Westwood Boulevard and Rochester Avenue at approximately 12:11 p.m. on February 5, 2025.
According to authorities, a woman in her 70s driving a sedan initially struck a bicyclist before continuing down the roadway and plowing into the front of the grocery store. Several people inside the store’s bakery were hit directly by the vehicle during the crash.
Three individuals inside the bakery were killed in the collision: a 42-year-old woman, a 55-year-old man, and a 30-year-old man. Store officials confirmed two of those killed were employees and the third was a customer. In addition, six people were injured; four of those were hospitalized — two men, ages 35, in critical condition, and two men, ages 37 and 38, in fair condition. The bicyclist and the driver declined medical treatment at the scene.
Police say the crash does not appear intentional. Investigators are exploring whether a medical issue may have caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, though an official cause has not yet been determined.
Firefighters and LAPD officers responded to assist victims, secure the scene, and begin an investigation into the crash. Some individuals were initially trapped under the vehicle and were freed by first responders.
The collision caused significant disruption in the Westwood area, closing Westwood Boulevard in the immediate aftermath as emergency crews worked to clear debris and care for the injured.
Authorities continue to investigate the Westwood crash to determine all contributing factors and whether any charges will be filed.
Crash Statistics in California
In 2024, California reported more than 3,900 traffic fatalities, with Los Angeles County accounting for one of the highest numbers of deaths among all counties, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety and preliminary CHP data. Bicyclist-involved fatal crashes continue to be a significant concern statewide.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, speaking with a skilled car accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights during this difficult time. An attorney can guide your family through the claims process, protect your interests, and pursue compensation for your loss. Reach out today for compassionate legal support and a free case evaluation.