A fatal crash in Long Beach on Tuesday morning claimed the life of 35-year-old Sovan Koy, who was identified by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office. According to the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD), Koy was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which occurred around 7:35 a.m. at the intersection of Wardlow Road and Palo Verde Avenue.
The crash involved two vehicles: a 2002 Toyota Sequoia driven by Koy and a 2014 Toyota Tundra. Investigators reported that the Sequoia was traveling eastbound on Wardlow Road when it failed to stop at a red light at the Palo Verde Avenue intersection. Meanwhile, the Tundra, which had a green light, was traveling southbound through the intersection. The two vehicles collided with significant force.
“The force of the collision caused the Toyota Sequoia to overturn, ejecting the driver,” the LBPD stated. Tragically, Koy did not survive the crash.
The driver of the Tundra remained at the scene and cooperated fully with the ongoing investigation. No injuries were reported for the Tundra’s driver, and authorities have not indicated any charges at this time.
In the aftermath of the collision, the area surrounding Wardlow Road and Palo Verde Avenue was closed to traffic while investigators worked to determine the circumstances leading to the fatal crash. Police have preliminarily identified speed and distracted driving as significant factors in the incident. However, the investigation remains active as detectives seek additional details.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the crash to come forward. Those with relevant information are encouraged to contact LBPD Collision Investigation Detail Detective David Dougherty at 562-570-7355. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or by visiting lacrimestoppers.org.
This tragic accident highlights the critical importance of adhering to traffic signals and avoiding distractions while driving. The Long Beach community mourns the loss of Sovan Koy, as officials continue efforts to piece together the events that led to this devastating collision.
