Todd Cawyer Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the man who lost his life after being struck by a car involved in a violent two-vehicle collision in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles. The victim, 45-year-old Todd Cawyer, was walking on a sidewalk late Sunday night when a car, pushed off course by a crash, plowed into him and another pedestrian. The tragic accident happened near the intersection of Eighth Street and Alvarado Street.
According to a statement released Friday by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Cawyer died from injuries he sustained in the crash. Officials say the incident unfolded around 11:50 p.m. when two vehicles collided at the busy Westlake intersection. One of the cars, which was traveling south on Alvarado Street, slammed into a vehicle moving west on Eighth Street. The force of the impact was so strong that it caused one of the cars to jump the curb and strike the two men on the sidewalk.
Emergency responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department were quickly on the scene. Both pedestrians were seriously injured and transported by paramedics to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Tragically, Cawyer was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. The second man remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Details regarding the conditions of the two drivers involved in the initial collision have not yet been released. It is unclear whether either of the drivers suffered injuries or remained at the scene following the crash. Law enforcement officials have not confirmed if drugs, alcohol, or speed played a role in the collision.
The Los Angeles Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances leading up to the accident. A desk officer from the LAPD Operations Center noted that the collision between the vehicles triggered the deadly chain of events that ultimately led to Cawyer’s death.
At this point in the investigation, no arrests have been made and no charges have been announced. It is also not yet known whether the crash was the result of driver error, mechanical failure, or a possible traffic violation. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from the area and speaking to witnesses in an effort to piece together exactly what happened in the moments before the fatal collision.
The intersection of Eighth and Alvarado streets is known to be a busy area in Westlake, often crowded with both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, especially during late-night hours. Community members have previously expressed concern about safety at the intersection, pointing to speeding cars and the lack of adequate pedestrian protections.
This tragedy adds to the growing concern over pedestrian safety in Los Angeles. According to recent data from the LAPD, fatal traffic incidents involving pedestrians have been on the rise in recent years, with many of them occurring in high-traffic neighborhoods such as Westlake.
Friends and family of Todd Cawyer are mourning his sudden and unexpected death. Though officials have not released personal details about him, Cawyer is remembered by those who knew him as a kind and gentle person. A memorial of flowers and candles has begun to form near the site of the accident, as community members stop to pay their respects.
City officials have not yet issued a statement regarding the incident, but local residents are once again calling for more traffic safety measures in the area. Suggestions include better lighting, clearer signage, speed bumps, and increased police presence to deter reckless driving.
As the investigation continues, anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information is urged to contact the LAPD. Investigators hope that additional evidence will help them determine who is responsible for the deadly outcome.
The death of Todd Cawyer serves as a somber reminder of the dangers pedestrians face daily in urban areas. Even while walking on sidewalks—typically considered a safe space for foot traffic—individuals are vulnerable when vehicles lose control, especially in densely populated neighborhoods like Westlake.
The LAPD has promised to continue investigating until all facts are known. Meanwhile, the community is left grieving another life lost to a preventable tragedy on the city’s streets.