Celestino Mateo Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identity of a pedestrian who was killed in a hit-and-run crash earlier this week in South Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that the victim was 61-year-old Celestino Mateo.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the fatal collision occurred in the early morning hours of Monday at the intersection of San Pedro and 95th Streets. Investigators said Mateo was crossing 95th Street eastbound at approximately 1:20 a.m. when he was struck by an SUV.
Witnesses and preliminary reports indicate that the suspect vehicle is believed to have been a silver Chevrolet Tahoe. Police noted the SUV was traveling southbound on San Pedro Street at a high rate of speed when it hit Mateo. Instead of stopping to provide help, the driver continued south on San Pedro, fleeing the scene immediately after the impact.
Emergency responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived minutes later, but despite their efforts, Mateo was pronounced dead at the scene. His death adds to the growing number of pedestrian fatalities in Los Angeles, many of which are the result of drivers failing to stop and render aid.
The case is now being handled as a homicide investigation by the LAPD South Traffic Division, which is appealing to the public for assistance. Investigators are seeking any information that might help identify the driver or locate the suspected vehicle involved in the collision. Authorities emphasized that even the smallest detail could be critical to solving the case, whether it be surveillance footage from nearby cameras, witness accounts, or reports of a silver SUV with new front-end damage.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the LAPD South Traffic Division directly at 323-421-2577. For those calling outside of regular business hours or over weekends, the LAPD’s general hotline at 877-527-3247 is also available.
For community members who wish to provide tips anonymously, authorities have highlighted the option of calling Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. This program allows residents to assist in investigations without revealing their identities, an important resource in cases where fear of retaliation may discourage witnesses from coming forward.
Hit-and-run crashes remain a serious and persistent problem in Los Angeles, where pedestrians are often left vulnerable to reckless or speeding drivers. Law enforcement officials continue to stress the importance of accountability and responsibility on the road, noting that stopping to render aid can often save lives and prevent criminal charges from becoming more severe.
For Mateo’s family and community, the sudden and tragic loss has brought grief and frustration, as they await answers and justice. Police remain committed to tracking down the individual responsible for his death and ensuring they are held accountable.
As the investigation continues, officials are calling on residents of the Broadway-Manchester area and beyond to remain vigilant and cooperative. Public assistance, they say, will play a vital role in bringing closure to Mateo’s loved ones and helping prevent future tragedies on Los Angeles streets.
