TRAFFIC FATALITY - WARDLOW ROAD AND PALO VERDE AVENUE

Collision Investigation detectives are investigating a collision that occurred on Nov. 26, 2024, which resulted in the death of a male adult.

At approximately 7:34 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Wardlow Road and Palo Verde Avenue, regarding an injury traffic collision involving two vehicles.

Upon officers' arrival, Long Beach Fire Department personnel were already on the scene, providing aid to one of the motorists.

The preliminary investigation revealed a 2002 Toyota Sequoia was traveling eastbound on Wardlow Road when it failed to stop for a red traffic signal at the intersection of Palo Verde Avenue. A 2014 Toyota Tundra, traveling southbound on Palo Verde Avenue, entered the intersection on a green traffic signal, colliding with the Toyota Sequoia. The force of the collision caused the Toyota Sequoia to overturn and eject the driver. The driver of the Sequoia succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

The driver of the Toyota Tundra, a 41-year-old female resident of Lakewood, remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. The driver of the Toyota Sequoia is only being identified as a 35-year-old male resident of Los Angeles, pending next of kin notification by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

At this time, speed and distracted driving appear to be factors in the collision.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact LBPD Collision Investigation Detail Detective David Dougherty at (562) 570-7355. Anonymous tips may be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 Tips" app to your smartphone (available at the Apple App Store and Google Play), or visiting www.LACrimeStoppers.org.