Los Angeles, CA (March 13, 2026) – Authorities have identified 73-year-old Kum Soon Lee-Kim as the woman who died after being struck in a hit-and-run crash while riding her bicycle in Los Angeles’ Koreatown neighborhood.
Incident Details: According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the collision occurred around 6:40 a.m. on March 13, 2026, at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Vermont Avenue. Investigators reported that a white Ram truck traveling eastbound on Olympic Boulevard made a right turn onto southbound Vermont Avenue and struck Lee-Kim, who was riding her bicycle eastbound within the crosswalk.
The driver fled the scene without stopping to render aid, continuing eastbound on Olympic Boulevard toward Menlo Avenue.
Emergency responders transported Lee-Kim to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Detectives located the suspect’s vehicle near the scene of the crash and took it into police custody. Police noted that drug use may have contributed to the fatal crash.
Investigation: The LAPD is continuing to investigate the fatal hit-and-run. Because the crash occurred during a turning maneuver at an intersection, investigators may evaluate whether the driver failed to yield to a bicyclist lawfully within the crosswalk.
Authorities may consider factors such as right-of-way, driver attentiveness, visibility, and the speed and positioning of the vehicle during the turn. Investigators may also review physical evidence, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage to help reconstruct the events.
Since police have indicated that drug use may have been a contributing factor, toxicology evidence will be reviewed as part of the investigation.
A reward has been offered for information leading to the identification and arrest of the driver.
Legal Considerations: Hit-and-run crashes involving bicyclists often raise serious legal issues, including both criminal and civil liability. Under California law, drivers must yield to bicyclists and pedestrians lawfully within crosswalks and are required to stop and remain at the scene after a collision involving injury.
If the driver is identified, Kum Soon Lee-Kim’s surviving family members may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims may seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, and the loss of companionship. The suspected involvement of drugs and the failure to stop may also increase potential civil and criminal liability.
I offer my deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of Kum Soon Lee-Kim. The circumstances of this loss are especially difficult, and I hope her family finds support, answers, and a measure of peace in the time ahead.
Source: My News LA