Crash that killed L.A. firefighter recruit was not a hit-and-run, CHP says
The crash that killed a Los Angeles Fire Department recruit on the 101 Freeway this week is not being investigated as a hit-and-run as initially announced.
On April 15, Jacob Fuerte, 22, was driving to the LAFD training academy when his car crashed into another vehicle on the northbound 101 Freeway near Vineland Avenue in Studio City. The crash happened shortly after 5 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.
Authorities said Fuerte stepped out of his car to likely assess the situation and offer help to anyone injured. That’s when he was struck and killed by an oncoming vehicle which officers described as a hit-and-run.
However, on Wednesday, CHP investigators said new evidence revealed the crash was not a hit-and-run collision as initially suspected.
According to CHP, Fuerte, who was driving a Jeep, initially crashed into a portable toilet that was on the freeway lanes.
As Fuerte stepped out to investigate the situation, an oncoming sedan crashed into his parked Jeep, pushing the vehicle into Fuerte, authorities said.
Authorities investigate after a crash kills a Los Angeles Fire Department recruit on the 101 Freeway in Studio City on April 15, 2024. (KTLA) A U.S. Flag is draped over the body of a Los Angeles Fire Department recruit firefighter who was killed on the 101 Freeway on April 15, 2024. (KTLA) Jacob Fuerte, 22, in a photo from the Los Angeles Fire Department. Authorities investigate after a crash kills a Los Angeles Fire Department recruit on the 101 Freeway in Studio City on April 15, 2024. (KTLA) Authorities investigate after a crash kills a Los Angeles Fire Department recruit on the 101 Freeway in Studio City on April 15, 2024. (KTLA) Authorities investigate after a crash kills a Los Angeles Fire Department recruit on the 101 Freeway in Studio City on April 15, 2024. (KTLA) Los Angeles Fire Department recruit Jacob Fuerte, 22, in a photo from the LAFD.
The forceful maneuver caused Fuerte to be thrown into nearby freeway lanes. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Investigators said no suspects or vehicles, including the sedan driver, are unaccounted for as initially believed. No arrests are being made as the investigation continues.
Fuerte was the son of a 17-year veteran firefighter/paramedic with the LAFD.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the immediate family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” said Erik Scott, LAFD spokesperson. “Raised in the LAFD family, recruit Fuerte understood the importance of helping those in need.”
On Monday morning, Sky5 video captured a procession that made its way from the crash scene to the L.A. County Coroner’s Office in Boyle Heights.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass paid tribute to Fuerte and ordered city flags fly at half-staff in her State of the City address on Monday night.
“My heart goes out to the family during this difficult time,” Bass said.
Fuerte is survived by his father, two sisters and a brother.
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