Los Angeles: On Thursday, December 20, 2001 at approximately 10:50 PM. a solo vehicle traffic collision claimed the life of a passenger in a 2001 Ford Escort.

The 2001 Ford Escort was traveling northbound on Vista Del Mar south of Sandpiper Street. According to witnesses the Escort was traveling at a high rate of speed attempting to pass another vehicle on the right, the driver lost control of the vehicle, as a result of the rain and ran off the roadway and collided with a light standard. The vehicle continued out of control, and crashed through a chain link fence.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced the passenger dead at the scene. The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.

The driver was transported to a local hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department Personnel and is listed in stable condition.

West Traffic Detectives are conducting the follow up investigation. Anyone with information should contact West Traffic Division Detectives at 213-473-0234 during business hours. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This Press Release was prepared by Officer Grace Brady, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586