Jacob Fuerte, 22, is looking to follow in his father’s footsteps as a full-time firefighter.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A young man who died in a multi-vehicle crash in Studio City Monday morning was known as a firefighter recruited through the Los Angeles Fire Department, he said.
The multi-vehicle crash was reported shortly after 5 a. m. on the north side of the highway, south of Vineland Avenue, in Campo De Cahuenga, according to the California Highway Patrol. A SigAlert issued shortly thereafter terminated in all northbound lanes. in the area.
An initial investigation shows that rookie firefighter Jacob Fuerte, 22, was involved in a crash with another vehicle driven by Derek Tapia of Montclair. After this first accident, Fuerte was pulled from his car, which was still in the traffic lane according to the CHP. , and drove through an unknown vehicle. Fuerte died instantly.
CHP reported that Fuerte, a Riverside resident, was driving a 2000 Jeep that collided with a 2021 Ford driven by Derek Tapia, 36, of Montclair, who was uninjured. Fuerte was on his way to education at the time of the incident.
“He exited his vehicle to likely assess the situation and assist anyone in need when he crashed into another car,” the LAFD said in a statement.
The incident is being investigated as a hit-and-run accident. No suspicious vehicles have been revealed.
At Tuesday’s Los Angeles City Council meeting, Councilmember Monica Rodriguez introduced a motion that would identify a $50,000 commendum for data leading to the user’s identity and arrest for Fuerte’s death.
A young man who died in a crash on the 101 Freeway in Studio City on Monday morning was known as a firefighter recruited through the Los Angeles Fire Department, he said.
A procession was held from the crash site to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office on N. Mission Road.
“We express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time,” the LAFD said in a statement. “Details related to the memorial service will be shared as they become available. “
Fuerte joined LAFD on February 12, 2024. I will be participating in week 10 of a 20-week educational program.
Fuerte’s father is a veteran firefighter/EMT with 17 years of experience with the department, and the young man hoped to follow in his footsteps.
Fuerte is survived by his father, two sisters, and a brother.
Anyone with information about the death is asked to contact the West Valley HPC office at 818-888-0980 or the Los Angeles Regional Traffic Management Center at 323-259-3410.