Maria De Hernandez Pereria Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the woman who was fatally struck by a vehicle in the Harbor Gateway area of Los Angeles on Thursday night. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, the victim was 39-year-old Maria De Hernandez Pereria.
The incident occurred on the evening of May 15, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the scene. CHP officials reported that the collision happened around 9:45 p.m. near the intersection of West 228th Street and Normandie Avenue, a well-traveled area in the Harbor Gateway neighborhood, located in the southern region of Los Angeles.
CHP Officer Elizabeth Kravig, speaking to City News Service, confirmed that emergency personnel arrived shortly after the incident was reported. When officers and paramedics reached the location, they discovered a woman who had been struck by a vehicle. Despite their efforts, the woman, now identified as Pereria, was pronounced dead at the scene. Details about the exact circumstances leading up to the crash have not yet been released.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the driver involved remained at the scene or fled. Authorities have not disclosed whether drugs, alcohol, speed, or distraction may have contributed to the fatal incident. The identity of the driver and the type of vehicle involved also remain unknown, pending further investigation. CHP officials continue to look into the case and are expected to release additional details as they become available.
Harbor Gateway is a residential and commercial community bordered by major thoroughfares and is known for its mix of dense traffic and pedestrian activity. The area has been the site of previous traffic incidents, and this latest tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in the region.
The intersection of West 228th Street and Normandie Avenue, where the crash occurred, is a busy crossroad with both vehicle and foot traffic, especially during the evening hours. Residents in the area have long voiced concerns about visibility, street lighting, and the speed of vehicles traveling through the neighborhood. Thursday night’s fatality has reignited conversations about the need for improved pedestrian protections, such as better lighting, additional crosswalks, and more prominent signage.
Maria De Hernandez Pereria’s death marks yet another tragic instance of a pedestrian losing their life on Los Angeles streets, a problem that city and state officials have been working to address. Over the past few years, pedestrian fatalities have risen across the region, prompting safety campaigns and infrastructure projects aimed at reducing such incidents. However, critics argue that changes have been slow and inconsistent.
In response to the growing number of traffic deaths, California’s “Vision Zero” initiative—a multi-agency plan introduced in major cities including Los Angeles—aims to eliminate all traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries by prioritizing street safety and traffic enforcement. Despite these efforts, many communities continue to see fatal incidents like the one that took Pereria’s life.
The news of Pereria’s death has left friends, family, and neighbors in mourning. While little personal information about her has been made public, the loss of a 39-year-old woman in such a sudden and tragic manner has deeply affected those who knew her. Loved ones are expected to come together in the coming days to remember and honor her life.
Community members and advocacy groups are also likely to use this tragic event as a reminder of the urgent need for enhanced traffic enforcement and pedestrian safety infrastructure. In recent years, organizations like the Los Angeles Walks advocacy group have called for reduced speed limits in high-traffic pedestrian areas and improved lighting and design to reduce risks for those on foot.
Meanwhile, CHP investigators continue their work at the scene. It is standard protocol for officials to collect surveillance footage, analyze crash dynamics, interview witnesses, and assess the condition of the road and nearby traffic control devices. These steps are crucial to determine whether the driver involved followed traffic laws and if any citations or criminal charges may be filed.
The Medical Examiner’s office completed the identification of the deceased on Friday and shared that Pereria’s next of kin had been notified. The office has not yet released the official cause of death, but the trauma from being struck by a vehicle is believed to have been fatal on impact.
As the investigation progresses, the public is encouraged to come forward with any information that may assist authorities in piecing together what happened. Witnesses or individuals with dashcam footage or home surveillance video near the scene are especially urged to contact the California Highway Patrol’s South Los Angeles office.
For now, the Harbor Gateway community grieves the sudden and tragic loss of another life on its streets. The death of Maria De Hernandez Pereria serves as a painful reminder of the dangers pedestrians face and the ongoing efforts needed to make roads safer for everyone, regardless of how they travel.
