December 2, 2023 - South Los Angeles - Los Angeles Police Department officials report that the Department’s South Traffic Division detectives are investigating a traffic collision that resulted in the death of two pedestrians in the area of Western Avenue and 82nd Street.

On Thursday, November 23, 2023, around 1:20 p.m., Vehicle-1 was traveling eastbound from a private property and negotiating a left turn onto northbound Western Avenue. Vehicle-2 was traveling southbound on Western Avenue and collided into vehicle-1. The force of the impact between the two vehicles caused vehicle-2 to travel in a southeastern direction and collide with a light pole and two pedestrians.

The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported both pedestrians to a local hospital. The (mother) 25-year-old Alma Aragon Cruz succumbed to her injuries on the way to the hospital and 8 -year-old (daughter) Alexa Antonio Aragon succumbed to her injuries four days later.

The driver of vehicle-1 was transported to a local hospital and is currently listed in critical condition. The driver of Vehicle-1 is a male, Black, in his 50’s and the driver of vehicle-2 was treated and released at scene. The driver of vehicle-2 is a female, Black, in her late 20’s. Both drivers are pending criminal charges.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Detective Geitheim of South Traffic Division detectives at (323) 421-2500. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.  Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

Source: Los Angeles Police Department