Tragedy on Highway 101
The tragic accident that claimed the life of Jacob Fuerte, a young firefighter in training with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), occurred on Highway 101 this week. Fuerte, 22, was on his way to the LAFD training academy when his vehicle collided with another car in the northbound lanes of Highway 101 near Vineland Avenue in Studio City.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Fuerte exited his vehicle to assess the situation and offer aid to the injured after the crash. It was then that he was struck and fatally injured by a vehicle they described as a hit-and-run case.
However, on Wednesday, CHP investigators said new evidence revealed that the accident was not a hit-and-run collision as initially suspected. According to the CHP, Fuerte, who was driving a Jeep, initially collided with a portable restroom that was in the lanes of the highway.
As Fuerte stepped out to investigate, an approaching sedan struck his parked Jeep, pushing the vehicle into Fuerte, authorities said. The impact propelled Fuerte into nearby lanes of the highway, where he was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Investigators said there are no suspects or vehicles, including the sedan driver, that have not been identified 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. In a statement, LAFD spokesman Erik Scott expressed deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
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