An 18-year-old Los Angeles resident who had recently moved from Mexico was killed in a multi-vehicle crash in South LA after leaving home to grab lunch just a few blocks away, according to authorities and family members.
Juan Manuel Sanchez Salas died Tuesday afternoon following a collision near Vermont Avenue and 97th Street in the Westmont area. The crash involved several vehicles and remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
Family members say the teenager had been focused on building a better future in the United States and had settled into a routine centered on school, work, and supporting himself.
Victim
Relatives described Juan Manuel as hardworking, disciplined, and motivated. He had moved to Los Angeles less than a year ago from Mexico to reunite with his father and pursue new opportunities.
According to his cousin, Maria Sanchez, he spent much of his time studying English, working, and staying active.
“He would just go to school, to the gym. From there, he would come home and go to work again,” she said.
Family members also said he cut hair on the side while balancing school and work responsibilities. His mother and two siblings remain in Mexico, while his father lives in Los Angeles.
Maria Sanchez said the family is struggling to process the sudden loss.
“It sucks that he’s gone because he had so many ambitious goals, and he couldn’t accomplish most of them,” she said.
Crash
The collision happened around 2 p.m. Tuesday near the intersection of Vermont Avenue and 97th Street.
According to the California Highway Patrol, a Chevrolet Suburban traveling southbound on Vermont Avenue allegedly struck a traffic pole and an Audi before overturning and colliding with multiple vehicles.
Investigators said Juan Manuel was inside one of the vehicles hit during the chain-reaction crash.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the collision, but Juan Manuel was pronounced dead there.
Authorities have not released additional details about the sequence of impacts or how many vehicles were ultimately involved.
Investigation
CHP investigators said the driver of the Suburban is a man in his 70s who may have experienced a medical emergency before the crash occurred.
The driver and a passenger in the Suburban were transported to a hospital in critical condition and remained hospitalized as of the latest update.
Officials have not announced whether drugs, alcohol, or other factors may have contributed to the collision. No criminal charges have been filed at this stage of the investigation.
Investigators are continuing to review evidence and interview witnesses to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Family
For Juan Manuel’s family, the tragedy has created both emotional grief and uncertainty about what happens next.
His father is now mourning the loss of his son while separated from other close family members who remain in Mexico. Relatives said Juan Manuel had hoped to create stability for himself and eventually support his family through work and education.
Maria Sanchez said the family wants accountability once investigators determine what caused the crash.
“We really want justice for what happened because it wouldn’t be fair to just let it be, and nothing is done,” she said.
Community
The crash has also raised concerns among residents in the Westmont area, where traffic collisions along major corridors such as Vermont Avenue are not uncommon.
Community members gathered near the crash site in the hours after the incident, leaving flowers and messages in memory of the teenager.
Traffic safety advocates have repeatedly pointed to speeding and dangerous driving conditions on busy Los Angeles streets as ongoing concerns, especially in densely populated neighborhoods.
Authorities have not said when the investigation will be completed.
Remembered
Friends and family continue to remember Juan Manuel as someone focused on improving his future despite the challenges of adjusting to life in a new country.
Relatives say his daily routine reflected that determination – attending school, working long hours, and staying close to family.
His death, just three blocks from home, has left those closest to him searching for answers while grieving a life they believe ended far too soon.
Anyone with information related to the crash is encouraged to contact the California Highway Patrol.
FAQs
Who was killed in the South LA crash?
Juan Manuel Sanchez Salas, an 18-year-old resident.
Where did the crash happen?
Near Vermont Avenue and 97th Street in Westmont.
What caused the collision?
CHP says a medical emergency may be involved.
Have charges been filed?
No charges have been announced so far.
Is the investigation ongoing?
Yes, CHP is continuing to investigate the crash.
