Laura Sanchez Ruiz Obituary, Death – A tragic accident on the Artesia (91) Freeway near Long Beach claimed the life of a woman Monday night, and authorities have now identified her. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that 46-year-old Laura Sanchez Ruiz, a resident of Pico Rivera, was the woman who lost her life in the violent chain-reaction crash. According to the medical examiner, Ruiz died from multiple blunt force injuries sustained in the incident.
The crash occurred late in the evening on Monday, May 12, at approximately 10:29 p.m., on the eastbound side of the 91 Freeway near Cherry Avenue. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that Ruiz was driving a Scion XD when it suddenly became engulfed in flames and then became disabled in a travel lane. Investigators have not yet released a specific reason as to why the vehicle caught fire, and it is unclear whether mechanical failure or another issue contributed to the incident.
After her car caught fire and came to a stop, Ruiz exited the vehicle, presumably in an attempt to get to safety. However, as she stood outside the disabled car, an approaching Toyota Camry, attempting to avoid a collision, swerved in an effort to miss the stopped Scion. Despite the driver’s attempt to maneuver around it, the Camry sideswiped the Scion. The impact caused the Scion to strike Ruiz, propelling her into the active westbound lanes of traffic on the other side of the freeway.
Once in the westbound lanes, Ruiz was struck by an unknown number of vehicles. The California Highway Patrol stated that it’s unclear exactly how many cars may have hit her, but multiple impacts are believed to have occurred. Tragically, Ruiz was pronounced dead at the scene before emergency responders could render aid.
First responders were quickly dispatched to the area after reports of a disabled vehicle and a multi-vehicle crash. Upon arrival, they found Ruiz deceased on the roadway and began working to secure the scene. Due to the severity of the crash and its aftermath, the affected sections of the freeway were likely closed for several hours as CHP officers conducted a thorough investigation and cleared the roadway.
Authorities are now appealing to the public for assistance. The CHP is asking for any witnesses who may have seen the initial fire, the collision, or any part of the series of events that unfolded to come forward with information. Tips or firsthand accounts could be crucial in piecing together the full timeline of the crash and determining whether any other drivers may have played a role or could be identified in the series of events. Witnesses can contact the California Highway Patrol’s South Los Angeles office at 562-649-6800.
As the investigation continues, officials are working to understand exactly what led to the sudden fire in Ruiz’s vehicle and the sequence of collisions that followed. No other injuries were reported in the aftermath, and the driver of the Camry has not been identified publicly or cited at this point. It is also unknown whether any of the drivers who may have struck Ruiz in the westbound lanes stopped or remained at the scene.
The death of Laura Sanchez Ruiz is the latest in a troubling trend of fatal crashes on Southern California freeways. Accidents involving disabled vehicles, especially at night, can be particularly dangerous due to reduced visibility and the high speeds common on the freeway system. Authorities continue to stress the importance of exercising caution in such situations, including turning on hazard lights, staying inside the vehicle when possible, and calling emergency services immediately when a car becomes disabled in traffic.
The loss of Ruiz has undoubtedly impacted her family, friends, and the local Pico Rivera community. She is remembered as a resident of the area whose life was cut short in a sudden and tragic incident. The medical examiner’s report confirmed the violent nature of her death, caused by the multiple blunt force injuries sustained in the crashes.
As the community grieves and officials search for answers, the CHP’s ongoing investigation seeks to bring clarity and, perhaps, accountability for what transpired. The CHP continues to urge anyone with dashcam footage, cell phone video, or other details to share that information with their investigators.
For now, Laura Sanchez Ruiz’s death stands as a sobering reminder of how quickly ordinary travel can turn into tragedy and the unpredictable dangers faced on the road.
