Sgt. Shiou Deng Obituary, Death – Two people, including a veteran sergeant with the Los Angeles Police Department, were killed in a tragic crash on the 405 Freeway early Monday morning, leading to the closure of all southbound lanes.
The California Highway Patrol reported that the crash occurred around 2 a.m. in the southbound lanes of the freeway. Aerial footage from KABC’s news helicopter showed several damaged vehicles scattered across the freeway, including a clearly marked LAPD car with visible damage to the driver’s side door.
One individual was pronounced dead at the scene. A few hours later, during a press conference, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed that Sergeant Shiou Deng, a 26-year veteran of the police force, had also died from injuries sustained during the incident. Chief McDonnell explained that Sgt. Deng had exited his vehicle to provide assistance at the scene of the crash when he was fatally struck.
Another person was transported to a hospital following the incident, though their condition has not been publicly disclosed.
The news of Sgt. Deng’s death drew an outpouring of condolences from city leaders. Mayor Karen Bass expressed her sympathies to his family through a post on social media, acknowledging his years of dedicated service to the community.
In the aftermath of the crash, both directions of the freeway were impacted. The northbound lanes were temporarily closed to allow for a thorough investigation, but they have since reopened. However, all southbound lanes remain shut as authorities continue to examine the crash site.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, and more details are expected to be released as the inquiry continues. The loss of Sgt. Deng has deeply affected the LAPD and the wider Los Angeles community, marking a somber start to the week.