Studio City, CA (June 17, 2025) — A tragic multi-vehicle crash early Tuesday morning on the 101 Freeway in Studio City claimed the lives of two people, including an off-duty Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Incident Details: The collision occurred near the interchange of the 170 and 134 freeways, just past the Tujunga Avenue exit. Authorities say a black Kia SUV was stopped in the freeway lanes when its two occupants exited the vehicle under unclear circumstances. A box truck then crashed into both the SUV and its occupants. A second vehicle, a Kia sedan, was also involved in the incident.
The two individuals struck, a man and a woman, were pronounced dead at the scene. One of the victims was identified by the LASD as 31-year-old Deputy Marcos Pena Jr., who was reportedly a passenger in a ride-share vehicle. Pena was assigned to the Men’s Central Jail and had been with the department since July 2022.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: The circumstances that led to the Kia SUV stopping in live traffic lanes remain under investigation by CHP. Authorities will explore whether the vehicle was disabled, whether hazard lights were used, and whether the box truck driver had sufficient time to respond. They will also examine whether vehicle maintenance, road conditions, driver behavior, and other factors contributed to the crash.
Deputy Pena’s family, as well as the family of the second victim, may have grounds to pursue wrongful death claims depending on the outcome of the investigation. These claims can address the profound emotional and financial losses that follow such a sudden and preventable tragedy.
My sincerest condolences go out to the families of Deputy Marcos Pena Jr. and the second victim.
Source: NBC Los Angeles