Wednesday, 29 July 2026, 1:35
A tragic hit-and-run crash in Lawndale has left a 15-year-old boy dead and his friend injured, prompting a plea from authorities for the public's help in finding the driver. The incident occurred Monday night on Rosecrans Avenue near Leuzinger High School, underscoring the dangers faced by e-scooter and e-bike riders on busy streets.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, deputies from the South Los Angeles Station responded to the 4200 block of Rosecrans Avenue at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Monday, July 20 after receiving reports of a vehicle striking a pedestrian. Upon arrival, they found 15-year-old Mathew Estrella lying in the street with fatal injuries. Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
The driver had fled before authorities arrived. A second teenager, identified as the victim's friend, suffered minor injuries. Authorities confirmed that Estrella was riding an electric scooter, while his friend was riding an e-bike when the crash occurred. The juvenile on the e-bike sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene before being released to his parents, according to the news release.
The suspect vehicle is described as an older-model sedan with a soft top, though investigators currently have no identifying information about the vehicle. The investigation remains ongoing.
The victim, Mathew Estrella, had hoped to join the Navy after graduating from high school, according to his family. The family shared their grief and memories, describing him as a young man with dreams of serving his country.
Lawndale is a city in Los Angeles County, located near major thoroughfares like the 105 and 405 freeways. Rosecrans Avenue is a busy east-west arterial road that sees significant vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns for e-scooter and e-bike riders in the region, where such devices have become increasingly popular for short trips.
E-scooter related accidents have been on the rise across California, prompting calls for better infrastructure and enforcement. In 2024 alone, Los Angeles County reported dozens of e-scooter collisions, many involving minors. Hit-and-run incidents, where drivers flee the scene, complicate investigations and leave victims without immediate recourse.
In a separate incident in Orange County, Florida, an 11-year-old boy named Josiah Marin was struck by a car while riding his e-scooter on East Colonial Drive. The driver initially asked if he was okay but then fled the scene. Josiah suffered a broken arm, bruises, and scratches, and is recovering at home. The Florida Highway Patrol is actively investigating and seeking the driver. Anyone with information is urged to contact FHP by dialing *347 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department urges anyone who witnessed the crash or has video footage to contact LASD Detective Ezequiel Garcia at 323-820-6700. The family of Mathew Estrella is demanding answers, and the community is rallying for justice. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and accountability for all drivers.
