Glendale, California (December 20, 2025) — Authorities have identified the woman killed early Saturday morning in a multi-vehicle collision on the Foothill (210) Freeway near Glendale as Erika De La Riva, 43, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Incident Details: California Highway Patrol officers responded at approximately 1:21 a.m. to the westbound 210 Freeway at Lowell Avenue, where they found several vehicles involved in a serious crash. One of the vehicles, a Nissan Pathfinder, was discovered on its side, CHP Officer Elizabeth Kravig told City News Service.
Paramedics from the Los Angeles County Fire Department arrived at the scene and pronounced De La Riva, an occupant of one of the vehicles, dead at the scene. At least one additional person was injured in the crash and was transported to a hospital. ABC7 reported that the injured individual was in critical condition. That person’s identity has not been released.
A SigAlert was issued shortly after the crash, closing all westbound lanes of the freeway at Lowell Avenue. The closure remained in place for several hours before being lifted at approximately 6:46 a.m.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the collision. In multi-vehicle freeway crashes occurring during overnight hours, investigators typically examine whether factors such as speed, impaired driving, driver fatigue, or reduced visibility played a role.
CHP investigators will analyze vehicle damage patterns, final resting positions, skid marks, and debris fields to reconstruct the sequence of events. They may also review traffic camera footage, witness statements, and data from the involved vehicles to determine how the crash unfolded and whether one collision triggered a chain reaction involving other vehicles.
As part of the investigation, officers will also assess roadway conditions, lighting, and whether any mechanical issues contributed to the crash. The investigation remains ongoing, and CHP has not yet announced whether citations or charges may follow.
Legal Considerations: Fatal freeway crashes often leave families with painful questions about how a routine drive turned deadly. When a collision involves multiple vehicles and results in a rollover, investigators closely scrutinize whether excessive speed, unsafe lane changes, or loss of control initiated the crash.
If the investigation determines that negligence contributed to the crash, De La Riva’s loved ones may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral expenses and the profound loss of companionship and support. Civil claims cannot undo the loss, but they can provide accountability and financial stability during an incredibly difficult time.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Erika De La Riva.
Source: MyNewsLA