Long Beach, California (October 31, 2025) — Authorities have identified the man killed in a crash on Friday morning on the northbound San Diego (405) Freeway in Long Beach as 69-year-old Mark Cassidy. According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal collision occurred near the transition to the Long Beach (710) Freeway around 7:20 a.m.
Incident Details: CHP Officer Erik Larsen reported that two vehicles were involved in the collision, which happened in the northbound lanes of the 405 Freeway. Paramedics from the Long Beach Fire Department arrived within minutes and performed CPR on Cassidy, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:51 a.m. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later confirmed Cassidy’s identity.
A SigAlert was issued shortly after the crash, closing the HOV lane and lanes 1 and 2 while investigators documented the scene. The alert lasted nearly four hours before being lifted at approximately 11:10 a.m., allowing traffic to resume normal flow.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into what caused the collision. Authorities have not released details on the second vehicle’s occupants or whether impairment, distraction, or unsafe lane changes were factors. Investigators will review evidence such as skid marks, witness accounts, and potential dashcam or freeway surveillance footage to determine the sequence of events.
In freeway collisions involving multiple vehicles, investigators often analyze whether one driver failed to maintain a safe following distance or made an unsafe maneuver in violation of the California Vehicle Code. The California Vehicle Code requires motorists to operate at a speed that is reasonable and prudent, given traffic and weather conditions.
Legal Considerations: Crashes on high-speed interstates like the 405 often raise complex liability issues, particularly when multiple vehicles and heavy traffic are involved. Under California civil law, a driver who fails to maintain proper control or lookout may be held financially responsible for resulting injuries or fatalities.
An attorney experienced in car accident cases can help ensure that all available evidence, such as witness statements and traffic data, is preserved for a thorough legal review.
If investigators determine that another driver’s negligence caused the crash, the surviving family members of Mark Cassidy may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mark Cassidy as they grieve this tragic and unexpected loss.
Source: MyNewsLA