PACOIMA, CA – A somber vigil unfolded in Pacoima Sunday evening as friends and family gathered to remember David Valdez, a young man whose life was tragically cut short just days before his 30th birthday. The collision that claimed his life remains under investigation, leaving a community searching for answers.
The quiet gathering took place at the intersection where Valdez’s life ended abruptly. According to those who knew him, Valdez was a 29-year-old resident of Pacoima, though they preferred not to speak on camera. Witnesses recounted the chaotic scene, describing how a fire engine, lights flashing and sirens wailing, collided with Valdez’s white Toyota Corolla.
The accident occurred around 10:40 a.m. on San Fernando Road. The fire truck was en route to an unrelated emergency call when it collided with Valdez’s vehicle as he attempted a left turn from Terra Bella Street. The impact was devastating, with the fire truck striking the driver’s side of the car.
Emergency responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department immediately sprang into action, attempting to save Valdez’s life. Despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The other party involved in the crash was also taken to a local hospital for further medical treatment.
The fire department personnel, who were also involved in the collision, were transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure. Their injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Multidisciplinary Collision Investigation Team has taken charge of the case, seeking to piece together the events leading up to the crash. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a vibrant life, taken too soon.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the profound impact such events have on families and communities. While answers may eventually come, the immediate focus remains on honoring Valdez’s memory and supporting those left behind.