California Highway Patrol officers are investigating a multicar crash on a rural road in Saugus that resulted the death of a 21-year-old sheriff’s deputy Monday afternoon, according to CHP and Sheriff’s Department officials.
The name of the deputy, who had been on the job just over a year, was not released by the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department pending the release of his identity by the county Medical Examiner’s Office.
“Our 21-year old deputy was transported to Henry Mayo (Newhall) Hospital where he tragically passed away from his injuries. The department is assisting the family with resources and transportation to the hospital,” read the statement on behalf of the LASD sent via email Monday evening by Nicole Nishida, director of communications.
Four patients were treated for injuries for the three-car crash at 3:17 p.m. in the 32800 block of San Francisquito Canyon Road, a few blocks south of the L.A. Department of Water and Power’s historic Power Plant No. 1 in the Angeles National Forest, according to a report from the CHP.
Firefighters were dispatched in response to a 911 call at 3:20 p.m. and arrived 12 minutes later, according to Saadullah Sheikh of the L.A. County Fire Department.
“One of the involved parties, an off-duty deputy with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department sustained critical injuries and was airlifted by helicopter to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries, according to an email Monday from Carlos Burgos Lopez, spokesman for the CHP’s Newhall-area Office.
“The other injured parties were transported by ambulance to Henry Mayo Hospital for medical treatment,” according to the statement.
The patients included two minors and two adults, according to L.A. County Fire Department officials.
A Sheriff’s Department official confirmed on condition of anonymity that the person killed was a deputy who had just completed a double shift at North County Correctional Facility in Castaic and was driving home when he fell asleep at the wheel. The shift was reportedly 10 p.m. Sunday to 2 p.m. Monday.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of one of our own, who was taken from us far too soon,” Sheriff Robert G. Luna said in the prepared statement.
“Our deputy dedicated his life to the service and safety of others, both in and out of uniform,” read the statement from LASD regarding the deputy’s death. “His commitment to public safety was not just a job — it was who he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.”
Nishida also confirmed the deputy joined the department May 2, 2024, and was assigned to North County Correctional Facility after graduating the academy.
The CHP is investigating the cause of the collision.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of this deputy. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the entire L.A. County Sheriff’s Department during this incredibly difficult time,” according to a statement from CHP Capt. Ed Krusey in Monday’s release. “We honor his service and commitment to our community.”
Officers were working to remove vehicles from the roadway as of 5 p.m.
There was no information immediately available as to what caused the crash.
