“Tragic Hit-and-Run Crash in South L.A. Leaves Family Dead, Toddler Fighting for Life”

Accident – death – Obituary News : Toddler Fights for Life After Hit-and-Run Tragedy Claims Family in South L.A.

In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded on New Year’s Eve, a toddler is now battling for her life after her family was tragically killed by a hit-and-run driver in South Los Angeles. The victims have been identified as Jose Manuel Pasgagasa, 49, Luisa Arenas, 26, and their two young daughters, 5-year-old Mia and 1-year-old Hanna.

The devastating accident occurred at the intersection of Normandie Avenue and 60th Street in the Harvard Park neighborhood, at approximately 11:20 p.m. The family of four was innocently driving when a speeding SUV, fleeing from an earlier hit-and-run crash, ran through a stop sign and collided with their vehicle. The impact was so severe that Jose Manuel Pasgagasa lost his life instantly, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Both Luisa Arenas and 5-year-old Mia were rushed to the hospital following the crash, but sadly succumbed to their severe injuries. Now, 1-year-old Hanna remains the sole survivor, fighting for her life in the pediatric intensive care unit.

The grief-stricken family is originally from Colombia and had moved to Los Angeles just a year ago. With most of their relatives still residing in Colombia, authorities are coordinating with overseas family members, primarily to ensure the best possible care for little Hanna, who has displayed signs of improvement despite her critical condition.

The suspect responsible for this heartrending tragedy is a 22-year-old man with no prior criminal record, whose identity has not yet been released by the authorities. Investigations are currently underway to determine the events leading up to the crash, and there are suspicions that alcohol may have played a role in the driver’s reckless behavior.

Video footage from the scene depicts the devastating aftermath, with both vehicles completely destroyed and debris scattered across the roadway. Sgt. Ryan Moreno from the LAPD’s South Traffic Division described the collision as so violent that it sent the family’s car hurtling onto the southwest corner of the intersection, toppling the street sign and fence. Witnesses compared the crash to an explosion, and several kind-hearted bystanders rushed to aid the family as smoke billowed from the wreckage.

This heart-wrenching incident serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the urgent need for improved road safety measures. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of this innocent family while rallying behind little Hanna, hoping for her swift recovery and justice for her loved ones..