Miguel Cano Obituary, Death: CHP officer dies after medical emergency causes Culver City crash, officials confirm

Miguel Cano Obituary, Death – A California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer died early Wednesday morning after experiencing a medical emergency while transporting a suspect in Culver City, according to state officials.

The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. near Bristol Parkway and Green Valley Circle. Officer Miguel Cano, 34, had been driving a patrol SUV with a fellow officer and a suspect on board. The suspect had been arrested for driving under the influence and was reportedly found with a significant quantity of suspected cocaine.

CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said that while en route to jail, Cano mentioned to his partner that he was feeling unwell. She noticed he looked ill, and moments later, the vehicle veered off the roadway and struck a tree. Emergency crews from the Culver City Fire Department responded to the crash and rushed Cano to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Sadly, he did not survive.

The second officer in the vehicle suffered only minor injuries and received treatment at the scene. The suspect, meanwhile, was taken to Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital for evaluation. Authorities did not immediately provide an update on the suspect’s condition.

Due to the suspected drugs in the suspect’s possession, Cano was administered Narcan, a medication used to counter opioid overdoses, as a precautionary measure, although there was no indication at that time that he had been exposed.

The crash happened just blocks from the CHP’s West Los Angeles station, where Cano and his partner were transporting the suspect for booking. Following the tragic incident, fellow officers gathered at the hospital to honor Cano, later escorting his body in a solemn procession to the medical examiner’s office.

Cano was a relatively new member of the CHP, having joined the department in 2023. He lived in Moreno Valley and was married, though he had no children.

CHP Commissioner Duryee expressed profound grief over the loss. “We are devastated by the loss of Officer Cano, who gave his life while serving the people of California,” he said. “His dedication, courage, and commitment to public safety will never be forgotten. We stand with his family and our CHP family during this incredibly difficult time.”

In response to the tragedy, California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags at the state Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space to be flown at half-staff in Cano’s honor. “Jennifer and I are deeply saddened by this tragedy,” Newsom stated. “Though early in his public safety career, Officer Cano already embodied the best of the Golden State with his courage, commitment, and a deep sense of duty. The state will never forget his service.”

The CHP’s Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team is currently leading the investigation into the crash. The road closure that followed the incident lasted until roughly 9:25 a.m. as authorities cleared the scene and gathered evidence.

Officer Cano is the first California Highway Patrol officer to die in the line of duty since 2020.