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LOS ANGELES » A Lyft driver was killed Friday morning after his car was broadsided by the vehicle of a suspected drunken driver in Hawthorne, police said.
The collision occurred just before 3 a.m., according to a statement by Lt. Ti Goetz of the Hawthorne Police Department.
Authorities said the victim was driving a 2015 black Ford Fusion when the vehicle was struck by a 2003 red Infiniti coup at the intersection.
Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics responded and pronounced the Lyft driver dead at the scene. He was identified as Thor Anderson, 21, by the Los Angeles County coroner.
Police arrested Arturo Martinez Conchas, also 21, on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of illegal drugs.
Conchas was taken to a hospital for medical clearance before he was booked into jail at the Hawthorne Police Department, where he is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Paige Thelen, a spokeswoman for Lyft, issued this statement: “Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic accident. Thor was an important member of the Lyft community and we are very saddened to hear this news. We will support authorities in the ongoing investigation and help in any way we can.”
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©2016 Los Angeles Times
The very service that is designed to keep the inebriated away from driving just had an accident with a taxi service.
The headline — “Lyft driver killed in suspected DUI incident” — isn’t well worded, leaving the initial impression it was the Lyft driver who was drunk. It was, of course, the other driver.
Your comment is equally imprecisely worded, but leaves the distinct impression that you may not have read past the headline. You make it sound as though Lyft was somewhat at fault. There’s nary a hint that Lyft could’ve done anything to prevent or forestall this tragic crash.
…Days. I feel like my GED teacher is following me.
This is not national news. People are killed by drunk drivers everyday and I suspect taxi drivers of any kind are more susceptible since they are on the road more than most.
Marcus. Aka, slow news day?
Is Conchas an illegal? Must be if the LA Times is not mentioning it.