Jason Ramirez Obituary, Death – Authorities have officially released the name of the second individual who passed away following a serious car crash in North Hollywood last week. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner confirmed that 19-year-old Jason Ramirez was the second person who died as a result of the incident. The other individual, 18-year-old Jonathan Dicristofaro, had been identified earlier after being pronounced deceased at the scene.
According to reports, the crash occurred in the early morning hours of Friday when a silver vehicle traveling west on Vanowen Street struck an electrical pole and several parked cars. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) both responded to the scene shortly after 1:43 a.m. in the 11600 block of West Vanowen Street, just south of Lemp Avenue.
Emergency responders arrived to find the vehicle severely damaged and partially engulfed in flames. Firefighters quickly worked to put out the blaze and used specialized hydraulic rescue tools to free both occupants trapped inside the car. Despite their immediate efforts, one of the young men, later identified as Dicristofaro, was pronounced dead at the location. The second occupant, Ramirez, was rushed to a nearby hospital with critical injuries. Unfortunately, he did not survive despite extensive medical treatment.
Investigators say that the vehicle had been traveling westbound on Vanowen Street when, for reasons still being determined, it left the roadway and crashed into the electrical pole before hitting multiple parked vehicles. The impact caused significant damage, and parts of the surrounding area experienced a temporary power disruption due to the damaged utility pole.
Law enforcement officials said that the exact cause of the collision remains under investigation. At this time, authorities have not confirmed whether factors such as excessive speed, driver distraction, or mechanical issues contributed to the incident. No other injuries were reported, and no additional vehicles were directly involved in the crash.
Residents in the neighborhood who heard the crash described the sound as extremely loud and said emergency crews arrived quickly to secure the area and assist the victims. Several parked cars along Vanowen Street sustained visible damage, and debris from the impact was scattered across the roadway. The area was closed off for several hours as crews worked to remove the wreckage, repair the damaged utility infrastructure, and clear the scene safely.
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division is handling the ongoing investigation. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and homes in the area in hopes of determining what led to the loss of control. They are also seeking any witnesses who might have seen the vehicle’s movements before the collision.
Authorities have expressed condolences to the families and friends of both victims, noting the tragic nature of the event and its impact on the local community. Both young men were from the Los Angeles area, and news of their passing has prompted an outpouring of sympathy and support on social media.
Officials are reminding drivers to remain cautious on the roads, particularly during nighttime hours when visibility can be limited. They encourage all motorists to adhere to posted speed limits, avoid distractions, and ensure that their vehicles are in good working condition to help prevent similar tragedies.
As the investigation continues, the LAPD and the coroner’s office are expected to release additional details once they have completed their reports. For now, authorities continue to piece together the sequence of events that led to the devastating crash on Vanowen Street — one that claimed the lives of two young men and left a community mourning their loss.
