Wrongful Death

Published on: March 7, 2022

Father and Young Daughter Killed in Long Beach After Truck Crashed into Apartment

By Brian Chase

A speeding pickup truck crashed into an apartment complex in North Long Beach on the night of March 1, killing a father and his 3-year-old daughter who were inside.

KABC News and others have identified the victims as 42-year-old Jose Palacios and his daughter, Samantha. Shortly before the crash, surveillance video captured a 2014 Dodge Ram speeding northbound in the 6600 block of Rose Avenue. The footage shows the truck plowing into the apartment where Palacios and his daughter were sleeping. Continue reading →

Published on: May 24, 2021

6-year-old Boy Killed in Road Rage Incident on the 55 Freeway in Orange

By Brian Chase

Aiden Leos, 6, was killed in what police say is a road rage incident on the 55 Freeway in Orange. According to a report in The Orange County Register, Aiden was sitting in a booster seat in the back seat of his mother’s care when a suspect shot at them on the freeway.

The tragic incident happened on the morning of May 21, with the shooter fleeing the scene. Continue reading →

Published on: July 9, 2020

Baby Dies After Being Left in Hot Car in Fullerton

By Brian Chase

A baby that was removed from a car in Fullerton was pronounced dead at the scene on July 8. According to a City News Service report, police were called to the 400 block of West Wilshire Avenue about a child left in a vehicle. When officers arrived, the infant had been removed from the car. Continue reading →

Published on: March 29, 2019

Ceramic Company in Orange County Fined $250,000 After Worker Dies in Accident

By Brian Chase

A Santa Ana ceramic manufacturing company has been issued more than $250,000 in fines after an 18-year-old employee was killed while getting entangled in a clay machine that lacked safety guards. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) said the safety guards on the industrial mixer, also known as a pug mill, had been removed from the machine and the employee had not been trained to use at the time of the incident, which occurred on Sept. 20, 2018. Continue reading →

Published on: March 8, 2013

Intern Killed by Lion in Cat Sanctuary near Fresno

By Brian Chase

Diana Hanson, 24, an intern at a big cat sanctuary in Dunlap, Calif., was mauled to death by a lion on March 6, 2013. According to an ABC News report, the fatal incident occurred at the Cat Haven in Dunlap, a small town in Fresno County near Kings Canyon National Park. Officials say Hanson was inside the cat enclosure when a 4-year-old African lion names Cous Cous attacked her. It was not immediately clear what Hanson was doing inside the enclosure or what caused the attack.

‘Her True Passion in Life’

Another employer unsuccessfully tried to lure the lion away from Hanson. The lion was eventually shot by a Fresno County sheriff’s deputy who responded to the call. The park was closed at the time of the attack and there were no visitors inside. Hanson’s father tells ABC News that his daughter loved being around large cats and that working with them was her true passion in life. Hanson trained with three tigers and a lion while in college at Western Washington State University, her father said.

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Published on: November 30, 2012

Teen Who Drowned in Swim Class Spent 17 Minutes Underwater, Report Says

By Brian Chase

Malvrick Donkor, 14, a high school student, was fatally injured in a swimming pool accident during a lesson. According to a news report in The Gothamist, the teenager was allegedly underwater and unnoticed by instructors for 17 minutes while other students swam around him. Surveillance tapes showed Donkor climbing down a ladder into the deep end and then sinking. He was not noticed until another student spotted his body underwater and told the teacher, who pulled him out. The male swim teacher has since been placed on administrative leave and the pool has been closed. The incident is under investigation.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Malvrick Donkor for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Donkor was reportedly an immigrant from Ghana. His loved ones will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers.
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Published on: November 15, 2012

Five-Hour Energy Drinks Linked to 13 Deaths

By Brian Chase

Federal government officials and the New York Attorney General’s office are investigating claims that the drink 5-Hour Energy led to 13 deaths and 33 hospitalizations over the last four years. According to an ABC news report, the popular energy shot, which comes in two-ounce packages and packs a powerful caffeine punch, is being linked to serious side effects and death. Researchers are particularly looking into the effects of using multiple cans of the drink at once. Each can is said to have the caffeine content of two cups of coffee.

This is the second time in one month that the Food and Drug Administration has singled out energy drinks. In October, Monster Energy was linked to five deaths. The manufacturers point out that these are just claims and allegations and that there are no proven links. Company officials maintain that their products are harmless and that there is no evidence to show that the drinks directly caused the deaths.
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Published on: October 19, 2012

Wheelchair Bound Woman Suffers Fatal Fall from Los Angeles Metro Escalator

By Brian Chase

A 64-year-old woman in a wheelchair died a day after she fell down an escalator at a Metro station. According to a KTLA news report, the incident occurred at the Hollywood/Highland Metro Red Line station on October 16, 2012. Officials say the elevator from the mezzanine area to the street level was not functioning, prompting the woman and her caregiver to take the escalator. Shortly afterward, the escalator malfunctioned sending both women tumbling backwards. The woman in the wheelchair suffered severe head trauma and died a day later. The 48-year-old caregiver suffered cuts and bruises, but is expected to recover. It is not clear if she will face charges in connection with the incident.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of this woman who has been tragically killed here. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
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Published on: September 27, 2012

Elderly Woman Killed in Ventura DUI Collision

By Brian Chase

Margarita McIntosh, 75, was killed in a Ventura pedestrian accident, which officials say involved a school bus driver who was under the influence of drugs. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Woodland Street and Brookshire Avenue, the afternoon of September 26, 2012. Officials say the school bus carrying 11 children was heading north on Brookshire when it made a left turn on Woodland striking the elderly pedestrian who was walking in a crosswalk.

McIntosh was transported in critical condition to an area hospital where she died. The school bus driver, 54-year-old Joanne Madaule, was under the influence of unspecified drugs at the time, California Highway Patrol officials said. She was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and for being under the influence of a controlled substance. The investigation is ongoing.
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Published on: September 26, 2012

Tree Trimmer Fatally Injured on the Job

By Brian Chase

Gerson Hernandez, 27, suffered fatal injuries on the job after he was pinned under collapsing palm fronds on September 22, 2012. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, Hernandez was trimming a palm tree in the 1400 block of North Martel Avenue in Hollywood when he was trapped under the fronds. Hernandez was about 30 feet above the ground at the time of the accident. Officials stated the victim could have been crushed or asphyxiated by the fronds, which can weigh up to half a ton. The cause of death has not yet been determined. The investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Gerson Hernandez for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
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