Long Beach, CA (May 12, 2024)- In the quiet hours of the night, tragedy struck in Long Beach as a 17-year-old boy, innocently riding his scooter, was abruptly taken from this world.
The bustling intersection of Orange Avenue and South Street, usually a thoroughfare for commuters and pedestrians alike, became the scene of heartbreak and devastation in the early hours of the morning. The serenity of the night was shattered by the screeching tires and the sickening impact of metal against flesh.
According to reports from the Long Beach Police Department, the incident unfolded around 12:40 a.m. A 2012 Cadillac, its driver allegedly under the influence of alcohol, careened down Orange Avenue, its path intersecting with that of the unsuspecting young rider.
In a split second, lives were forever altered as the scooter collided with the northbound vehicle, sending the boy hurtling through the air before crashing to the unforgiving pavement.
Emergency responders, summoned by the horrified witnesses, rushed to the scene, their sirens piercing the stillness of the night. Paramedics, working with an urgency born of desperation, fought to stabilize the critically injured teenager before whisking him away to the nearest hospital.
Yet, despite their valiant efforts, the boy’s injuries proved insurmountable, and he succumbed to his fate, leaving behind shattered dreams and grieving loved ones.
As the dawn broke over the city, the aftermath of the tragedy unfolded. The driver of the Cadillac, identified as 35-year-old Karen Mativa of Compton, initially fled the scene in a panic, leaving chaos and confusion in her wake.
However, the long arm of the law eventually caught up with her, and she was apprehended by authorities upon her return to the scene.
Mativa now faces a litany of charges, including driving under the influence, hit and run resulting in death or injury, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and assault with a deadly weapon with force.
Her bail, set at $130,000, serves as a grim reminder of the severity of her actions and the irreversible consequences they have wrought.
In the wake of such senseless loss, the community grapples with grief and anger, seeking solace in the pursuit of justice. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with authorities exploring the role of speed and impaired driving as contributing factors to the collision.
Witnesses are urged to come forward with any information that may aid in shedding light on the events leading up to that fateful moment.
At Crockett Law Group, we understand the profound impact of such tragedies on the lives of those left behind. Our attorneys are committed to advocating for the rights of victims and their families, offering unwavering support and expert legal guidance in their pursuit of justice.
Our law firm extends our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of the victim who are mourning the loss of their loved one.
It’s important to have experienced wrongful death lawyers on your side when losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident. Call us at 1-888-965-3827 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach us 24 hours a day and 7 days a week by phone, text, and online chat.
Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Should you identify any inaccuracies, please notify Text Kevin Accident Attorneys for corrections. Posts will be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident.
Source: My News LA
The map below shows the intersection of Orange Avenue and South Street where the tragic accident happened.
Kevin Crockett
Kevin Crockett is an award-winning personal injury lawyer who understands the impact an accident can have on someone’s life. That’s why he aggressively fights for each of his clients.
