Shalanda Young Obituary, Death Cause – Police in Long Beach are investigating a tragic collision that claimed the life of a pedestrian early Tuesday morning in the city’s northside. Authorities confirmed that 36-year-old Shalanda Young, a Long Beach resident, was fatally struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Cherry Avenue and Curry Street around 4 a.m.
According to the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD), the incident occurred when a 2015 Honda Civic, heading southbound on Cherry Avenue, attempted to swerve in order to avoid hitting a man who was standing in the roadway. In the process, the driver struck Young, who was also in the area. Emergency responders, including officers and personnel from the Long Beach Fire Department, quickly arrived at the scene and attempted life-saving measures. Sadly, despite their efforts, Young was pronounced dead at the site of the crash.
The driver, a 30-year-old man from Norwalk, stayed at the scene following the collision. Police reported that he fully cooperated with investigators. At this stage, preliminary findings show that speed, distraction, or impairment do not appear to have contributed to the crash. Investigators will continue to piece together exactly how the events unfolded and why two individuals were in the roadway at such an early hour.
Authorities emphasized that accidents like these remain under active review, with detectives working to confirm all details. LBPD Collision Investigation Detail Detective Joseph Johnson is leading the case and has asked anyone who may have witnessed the crash to come forward with information. Witness accounts or surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses could provide clarity and help authorities finalize their investigation.
This incident marks the 43rd traffic-related fatality recorded in Long Beach so far this year. By comparison, police statistics indicate there were 40 fatalities linked to traffic collisions in the city during the entire year of 2024. The rising number underscores the ongoing challenge of traffic safety and pedestrian protection in urban areas. Officials continue to stress the importance of vigilance for both drivers and pedestrians to reduce such devastating incidents.
The community is mourning the loss of Young, a woman whose life was cut short suddenly and tragically. While further details about her background were not immediately released, the fact that she died just blocks from where she lived has brought a sense of grief to local residents. For many, the tragedy is also a painful reminder of how quickly lives can change because of a single moment on the road.
In response to rising numbers of pedestrian fatalities, Long Beach officials have previously implemented campaigns encouraging drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and remain alert, especially during nighttime and early morning hours when visibility is reduced. Safety advocates also highlight the need for pedestrians to use crosswalks whenever possible and remain cautious in high-traffic corridors like Cherry Avenue.
As investigators continue their work, Shalanda Young’s death adds to the troubling pattern of pedestrian fatalities across the region. Families, neighbors, and friends are now left to grieve while the LBPD presses forward with its efforts to determine the full set of circumstances that led to the crash.
Anyone with relevant information is strongly urged to contact Detective Joseph Johnson at 562-570-7355. Police stressed that even the smallest details could help bring closure to the case.
For now, the intersection of Cherry Avenue and Curry Street stands as the site of yet another tragic reminder of the risks pedestrians face on busy city roads.
