Los Angeles - On Thursday, June 21, 2001, at approximately 1:00 A.M., a traffic collision claimed the life of a passenger in a vehicle that was driven by a sixteen year old male resident of Los Angeles. The vehicle was traveling westbound on Sunset Boulevard approaching Allenford Avenue at a high rate of speed. The driver lost control of the vehicle and ran off the roadway at the southeast corner of the intersection and collided with a traffic signal and then a tree. The speed of the vehicle was determined by physical evidence at the scene.

A passing motorist saw the aftermath of the collision and called authorities. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and removed the driver and passenger from the vehicle. The driver was transported to UCLA Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition. He has not been able to give a statement due to his injuries. The passenger was transported to Santa Monica Hospital where he died as a result of his injuries. His identity has not been established at this time. The identity of the driver is not being released due to his age.

The investigation is being conducted by West Traffic Division under the supervision of Detective III Terry Pearson who can be reached at 213-473-0234.

This press release was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.