Authorities in Huntington Beach are continuing to piece together the circumstances surrounding a tragic multi-vehicle collision that occurred Tuesday afternoon and claimed the life of a 37-year-old man. The incident involved seven vehicles and resulted in multiple injuries, including to two probation officers who were traveling in an official vehicle.
Police said the crash took place shortly before 3 p.m. at the intersection of Goldenwest Street and Heil Avenue, a busy roadway where heavy traffic is common. First responders from both the Huntington Beach Police Department and the city’s fire department arrived quickly after receiving several emergency reports about a high-speed crash with multiple vehicles impacted.
According to the county coroner, the man who died was identified as Ryan Mark Larson, a local resident. Authorities noted that he was driving one of the vehicles involved and that the collision caused significant, catastrophic damage. Emergency personnel attempted to assist him immediately upon arrival, but he was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
Based on early witness statements and initial police findings, a gray Tesla Model 3 was reportedly traveling eastbound on Heil Avenue at an extremely high speed moments before the collision. Several witnesses at the scene said the driver appeared to lose control as the car entered the intersection at Goldenwest Street. Investigators said the Tesla struck multiple vehicles in rapid succession, and debris from those impacts hit other nearby cars, creating a chain-reaction crash.
The force of the crash caused the Tesla to roll several times before coming to a stop a short distance east of the intersection. Photos and video captured by bystanders showed significant debris scattered across the roadway, with several vehicles sustaining major damage. Police closed the area to safely assist victims and begin their investigation, which extended well into the evening due to the complexity of the scene.
Huntington Beach Fire Department officials reported that three individuals, including one of the probation officers, were taken to area hospitals for medical evaluation and treatment. All were listed in stable condition. Several other people were treated on site for less serious injuries such as bruising, shock, and minor pain related to the impact.
One witness told a local news outlet that the Tesla appeared to be traveling at a dangerously high speed—possibly over 100 miles per hour—before making contact with another vehicle in the intersection. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact speed and emphasized that their investigation will rely on physical evidence, vehicle data, and official accident reconstruction to establish the full sequence of events.
The investigation remains active, and police say it may take time to determine what factors contributed to the crash. They will be examining whether mechanical issues, road conditions, or driver behavior played any role. As part of standard procedure, investigators will also look at potential impairment or distracted driving, although no conclusions have yet been announced.
Officials from the Orange County Probation Department confirmed that two of their officers were involved but were not seriously injured. They expressed relief that their employees were expected to recover, while also offering condolences to the family of the man who died.
Local residents and drivers in the area have voiced concern about frequent speeding along Heil Avenue, with some urging city officials to review traffic patterns and consider safety improvements. The tragic collision has renewed conversations about road safety, particularly regarding high-speed driving in residential and commercial corridors.
As authorities continue their review, the community mourns the life lost in this devastating incident and hopes for the full recovery of those who were injured.
