Los Angeles, California (January 12, 2026) — A hit-and-run collision in South Los Angeles has claimed the life of Shiela Johnson, 66, who died weeks after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Western Avenue in the Vermont Square neighborhood, according to the Los Angeles Police Department and the county medical examiner.
Incident Details: The collision occurred at approximately 7 p.m. on January 12 near the intersection of Western Avenue and 45th Place. LAPD investigators said Johnson was crossing the street in an unmarked crosswalk when she was struck by a silver Honda Odyssey traveling northbound on Western Avenue.
Instead of stopping to render aid, police said the driver fled the scene, last seen heading eastbound on 42nd Place. Johnson was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition with severe injuries. Despite medical treatment, she later succumbed to those injuries and was pronounced dead on January 27, authorities said.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the victim as Shiela Johnson. As of the latest reporting, the driver has not been identified or arrested.
Investigation: The LAPD South Traffic Division continues to investigate the fatal hit-and-run. In pedestrian collisions involving unmarked crosswalks, investigators typically focus on right-of-way determinations, vehicle speed, visibility, and driver attentiveness at the time of impact.
Detectives will analyze physical evidence, such as debris, paint transfer, and surveillance footage, to confirm the vehicle’s involvement and the point of impact. The suspect vehicle, a silver Honda Odyssey, remains central to the investigation, with officers reviewing traffic and security camera footage along Western Avenue and nearby streets.
Since Johnson survived several days after the collision, investigators may also examine hospital records and injury patterns to understand the impact’s force and mechanics, helping determine if speed or failure to yield contributed to the severity of injuries.
The investigation remains active, and anyone with information has been urged to contact the LAPD’s South Traffic Division.
Legal Considerations: Under California law, leaving the scene of a collision that results in death is a felony offense, carrying severe criminal penalties. If the driver is identified, prosecutors may consider charges including felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter, depending on the evidence.
From a civil standpoint, the Johnson family may consider a wrongful death claim, which may address funeral expenses, medical costs incurred before death, and the emotional and financial loss caused by a sudden and violent collision. In cases where the at-fault driver is initially unknown, families may also explore claims involving uninsured motorist coverage or other available insurance avenues.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to Shiela Johnson’s family and loved ones as they grieve her loss.
Source: CBS News Los Angeles