16-Year-Old Dies After 2-Car Crash In Long Beach: Police Investigation Continues

LONG BEACH, CA — A 16-year-old passenger died after a two-car crash in Long Beach on Tuesday, police say.

Officers responded to a report of a two-car collision with injuries at Long Beach Boulevard and Wardlow Road shortly before 8:30 p.m., the Long Beach Police Department said.

When officers arrived, they found a 16-year-old girl — the passenger — and a 17-year-old boy — the driver — inside a 2007 Saturn Aura, police announced Thursday.

Rescuers with the Long Beach Fire Department helped the teenagers and took them to a hospital, where they were in critical condition, according to police.

Officers spoke with the driver of a 2021 Jeep Wrangler, who was not hurt and remained at the scene, police said, adding that the driver is cooperating with the investigation.

Initial investigation shows that both cars were traveling south on Long Beach Boulevard when the teenage driver tried to make a lane change and collided with the Jeep, according to police.

Police said speed and distracted driving are being investigated as factors in the crash.

On Wednesday, detectives were notified that the 16-year-old passenger had died, police said. Her identity is being withheld because of her age.

An investigation into the crash is ongoing, police said.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact police at 562-570-7358.