Man Fatally Struck On LA County Freeway After Getting Out Of Car

GLENDALE, CA — A 24-year-old man was killed when he got out of the passenger seat of a vehicle on the eastbound Ventura (134) Freeway in Glendale and was struck by a speeding vehicle, authorities said Saturday.

The fatal crash was reported first at 11:41 p.m. Friday as a stalled vehicle in a middle lane west of Pacific Avenue but responding officers learned it became a two-vehicle crash with possible major injuries, according to investigating Officer V. Franco.

"The silver-colored Mitsubishi was stopped in the No. 2 lane for an unknown reason and the right front passenger ... exited the vehicle," Franco said.

A black Mazda was also eastbound in the No. 2 lane "at speeds greater than 65 mph in light traffic conditions," and crashed into the rear of the Mitsubishi, the officer said. "Immediately after the collision, the front of the black-colored Mazda struck the resident of Los Angeles who was standing outside the vehicle."

That passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, and later identified by the Medical Examiner's office as Jake Huard.

The 19-year-old Pasadena woman driving the 2015 Mitsubishi, who was not wearing a seatbelt, suffered major injuries and the 22-year-old El Monte man at the wheel of the 2021 Mazda suffered minor injuries, Franco said.

The CHP closed all lanes of the eastbound freeway about midnight Saturday while they investigated the crash, then reopened the lanes at 7:15 a.m.

City News Service