Hit-and-Run Crash Kills Teen Near Lawndale High School

• A 15-year-old boy died and another teen suffered minor injuries in a hit-and-run crash in Lawndale on July 20, 2025.
• The incident occurred near Leuzinger High School on Rosecrans Avenue around 10:14 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2025.
• The victims were riding an electric scooter and an e-bike when struck by an older-model sedan with a soft top.
• The driver fled the scene; sheriff's investigators are searching for the vehicle and driver.
• The deceased has been identified as Mathew Estrella.

Introduction

A tragic hit-and-run crash in Lawndale claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy and left another teen injured Monday night. The collision occurred near Leuzinger High School, highlighting ongoing safety concerns for cyclists and scooter riders in the area.

Details of the Incident

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, deputies responded to the 4200 block of Rosecrans Avenue at approximately 10:14 p.m. on July 20, 2025. They found two teenagers in the roadway. Mathew Estrella, 15, who was riding an electric scooter, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second teen, riding an e-bike, was treated for minor injuries and released.

Lawndale station deputies were among the first responders to the scene.

The South Los Angeles Station deputies responded to the scene and later shared a news release on social media. The injured teen was treated at the scene and released to his parents.

The suspect vehicle is described as an older-model sedan with a soft top. The driver fled immediately after the crash and remains at large.

Despite this initial description, the sheriff's department reported that they currently have no identifying information regarding the suspect vehicle. In a statement, the sheriff's department said, 'At this time, traffic investigators have no identifying information regarding the suspect vehicle involved in the collision.'

Local California Context

Lawndale is a city in Los Angeles County, and Rosecrans Avenue is a major thoroughfare. The area near Leuzinger High School sees significant pedestrian and bicycle traffic, especially during school hours. This incident adds to a growing list of traffic-related fatalities involving vulnerable road users in Southern California.

Background

Hit-and-run crashes are a persistent problem in California. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, hit-and-run collisions account for a significant percentage of all traffic incidents, often leaving victims without immediate aid. In 2023, the state reported over 50,000 hit-and-run crashes, with many involving pedestrians or cyclists.

Conclusion

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact LASD Detective Ezequiel Garcia at 323-820-6700.

Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

This tragedy underscores the need for increased driver accountability and safer infrastructure for non-motorized road users.

Sources and Materials

• dailybreeze