A 49-year-old motorcycle rider was killed early Sunday morning after being struck by a vehicle that was making a U-turn on Broadway in South Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The driver of the white sedan allegedly fled without stopping or providing aid, leaving detectives searching for information that could lead to an arrest.
The deadly collision occurred in the early morning hours, when traffic was relatively light along the South Los Angeles roadway. Investigators are now asking anyone who witnessed the crash or may have information about the vehicle involved to come forward.
WHAT HAPPENED
The Los Angeles Police Department said the crash occurred at approximately 3:37 a.m. Sunday, August 16, 2026, on Broadway just south of 91st Street.
According to the LAPD, the victim was riding a motorcycle southbound on Broadway when he was struck by a white sedan negotiating a U-turn.
The sedan's driver failed to stop after the collision and did not remain at the scene to render aid, police said.
The force of the impact caused fatal injuries to the motorcycle rider. He was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
LAPD has not publicly identified the victim. His name is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin.
The department's South Traffic Division is leading the investigation.
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
The initial police account identifies the suspect vehicle as a white sedan, but investigators have not released additional details about its make, model, license plate or the identity of the person behind the wheel.
The collision occurred while the sedan was attempting a U-turn on Broadway, according to detectives.
Police said the driver then left the scene rather than stopping to assist the injured motorcycle rider or identify themselves to authorities.
The victim's injuries were ultimately fatal, although investigators have not released additional medical details about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Detectives are expected to examine evidence from the collision scene and seek information from anyone who may have been traveling through the area around the time of the crash.
THE BIGGER QUESTION
The case highlights the potentially devastating consequences of leaving the scene of a serious traffic collision.
When a driver flees after a crash, investigators can lose valuable time in identifying the vehicle and determining exactly how the collision occurred. Witnesses, nearby surveillance cameras and other evidence can become particularly important in helping detectives reconstruct what happened.
The LAPD also reminded motorists of their responsibilities after a collision.
According to the department, drivers involved in a crash should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe, notify emergency services and remain at the scene to identify themselves.
In this case, detectives are asking the public to help identify the driver responsible for the fatal crash.
A SKEPTICAL VIEW
The investigation is still in its early stages, and authorities have not released enough information to establish precisely how the collision unfolded or why the sedan was making a U-turn. While police describe the vehicle as a white sedan and say the driver failed to stop, investigators still need to determine the driver's identity and establish the full sequence of events. Until additional evidence is released, details about the driver's actions, speed, visibility and other potential contributing factors remain unconfirmed.
HIT-AND-RUN REWARD
The City of Los Angeles has a Hit-and-Run Reward Program Trust Fund that can provide a reward of up to $50,000 for information that leads to the identification, apprehension and conviction of a hit-and-run offender, or resolution through a civil compromise.
The program was created after the Los Angeles City Council amended the Los Angeles Administrative Code on April 15, 2015.
The availability of the reward could encourage witnesses or others with information about the white sedan to contact investigators.
Even seemingly minor details, such as seeing a damaged white vehicle shortly after the collision, could potentially assist detectives as they work to identify the driver.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
LAPD South Traffic Division detectives will continue investigating the collision and attempting to identify the driver of the white sedan.
Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact Officer Lozada or Detective Nily with the South Traffic Division at (323) 421-2577.
Anyone with information may also contact LAPD's 24-hour number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).
Anonymous tips can be submitted to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477). Tipsters may also use the P3 Tips mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.
Authorities have not announced an arrest in connection with the fatal collision.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- Who was driving the white sedan?
- What was the make, model and license plate number of the vehicle?
- How fast was the sedan traveling before the collision?
- Why was the sedan making a U-turn at the time of the crash?
- Was anyone else inside the vehicle?
- Did witnesses see the vehicle fleeing the scene?
- Is surveillance video available from nearby businesses or intersections?
- Will the city offer the maximum $50,000 hit-and-run reward?
- When will the victim's identity be released?
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that could help identify the driver is urged to contact LAPD South Traffic Division detectives.