Nefi Lopez Gutierrez dies in fatal North Hollywood crash
Fatal North Hollywood crash death of Nefi Lopez Gutierrez – Obituary
Authorities have confirmed the identity of a man who was killed in a violent early-morning collision involving a suspected drunk driver in North Hollywood. The victim was identified as 35-year-old Nefi Lopez Gutierrez.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the crash occurred around 2:25 a.m. on Colfax Avenue, just north of Calvert Street. Investigators say a speeding gray Acura, driven by 31-year-old Vidal Cruz Jr., struck two pedestrians who had just stepped out of a parked vehicle.
Police reported that the impact also involved the parked Toyota Camry and caused the pedestrians to be thrown into the roadway. The Acura then continued forward, struck several parked cars, and came to rest in a nearby driveway.
Gutierrez was pronounced dead at the scene. A second pedestrian, 50-year-old Azusena Barragan, was transported to a hospital where she later died from her injuries. Three people inside the parked vehicle suffered only minor injuries.
Authorities stated that the driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and traveling at an unsafe speed. He was arrested and booked on two counts of murder, with bail set at $4 million, according to officials.