LOS ANGELES, CA — Authorities on Saturday identified Jesus Garcia, 34, as the second victim killed in the devastating June 23 crash on the San Diego (405) Freeway that also claimed the life of LAPD Sgt. Shiou Deng, a 26-year department veteran hailed as a hero for stopping to help Garcia after an early morning accident.
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The incident unfolded around 2:00 a.m. on the southbound 405 Freeway near Moraga Drive, when California Highway Patrol officers responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash involving Garcia’s disabled Toyota pickup, which had come to a stop in the HOV and No. 1 lanes.
According to the CHP, Sgt. Deng arrived shortly after the crash in a marked LAPD patrol SUV with emergency lights activated. He stopped behind the wrecked vehicle in an effort to shield the crash site and offer assistance to Garcia, who was standing outside his truck at the time.
Tragically, as Sgt. Deng exited his vehicle, a Nissan sedan driven by Mario Bickham slammed into the patrol SUV and struck both Garcia and Deng. Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene, while Deng was transported to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Bickham was also hospitalized, but no further information on his condition or any potential charges has been released.
Community Mourns Loss of Two Lives
A GoFundMe created by Garcia’s family describes him as “a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend whose kindness and warmth touched everyone he met.”
Meanwhile, the LAPD is mourning the loss of Sgt. Shiou Deng, 53, who was assigned to the West Los Angeles Division and had risen to the rank of sergeant two years prior. For nearly 17 years, he served in the Mental Evaluation Unit, working with individuals in crisis and advocating for society’s most vulnerable.
“He saw that it was a serious crash and he activated his rear amber lights in an effort to slow traffic behind him and provide some level of safety,” said LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. “He was an exceptional guy. A true leader. A true hero.”
Investigation Ongoing
The crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Authorities are urging drivers to slow down and remain vigilant, especially around emergency responders and disabled vehicles on the roadway.
Both Garcia and Sgt. Deng are being remembered for their selflessness—one for enduring the tragedy of the crash, and the other for making the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to help.