[02-10-2026] Los Angeles County – Deris Renoj, Zih Dao, and Leonel Mateo Identified in Fatal Westwood 99 Ranch Market Crash
Los Angeles, California – Authorities have publicly named the three people who died after a vehicle crashed into a 99 Ranch Market in Westwood, while investigators continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident that also left six others hurt.
The collision occurred shortly after noon at the grocery store located on the 1300 block of Westwood Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Officials say a 92-year-old woman driving a sedan first struck a bicyclist about a block away, then lost control and barreled through the storefront windows.
Three fatalities were confirmed. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the victims as 42-year-old Deris Renoj, 28-year-old Zih Dao, and 52-year-old Leonel Mateo. A growing memorial has formed outside the store. One mourner described Mateo, known as Leo, as consistently cheerful and kind, saying he brought warmth to those around him and was never seen in a bad mood.
Emergency crews reported that six additional people suffered injuries ranging from moderate to critical. Four men in their 30s were transported to hospitals — two listed in critical condition and two in fair condition. Both the driver and the bicyclist received treatment at the scene and declined hospital transport.
Video captured from a nearby vehicle shows the silver sedan moving rapidly through the intersection at Westwood and Rochester Avenue moments before it smashed into the market.
Detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department said that, at this stage, no criminal charges have been filed against the driver, as the event is currently being treated as an accident. Still, the crash has renewed public debate about rules governing older drivers in California.
Under state regulations, drivers age 70 and above must renew their licenses in person every five years and pass a vision screening. While many seniors with clean records are no longer required to take a written test, the DMV can mandate further evaluation if safety concerns arise.
Traffic safety advocates note that age alone is not a reliable measure of driving ability, emphasizing that reaction time, vision changes, and medical conditions vary widely among individuals. They stress that ongoing self-assessment and input from family members and physicians are important factors in determining whether someone should continue driving.
Investigators are now examining whether mechanical failure or a medical episode may have contributed to the crash. Police say they are reviewing the driver’s health background, vehicle condition, and driving record as the investigation continues.
Source: CBS News
Can You Claim Compensation After a Fatal Crash Caused by an Elderly Driver?
Yes. If a fatal collision was caused by an elderly driver, surviving family members may be able to pursue financial compensation through a wrongful death claim. Age alone does not determine legal responsibility — fault is based on negligence. If the older driver failed to operate the vehicle safely, they (and potentially their insurance carrier) can be held liable.
A qualified Los Angeles car accident lawyer can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and determine whether negligence played a role — such as impaired vision, delayed reaction time, medical episodes, or failure to follow traffic laws.
Families may be entitled to file a claim through a Los Angeles wrongful death attorney to recover damages such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the final injury
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and household contributions
- Emotional suffering where permitted under California law
In some cases, additional parties may also share liability — for example, if the driver should not have been medically cleared to drive or if a vehicle defect contributed to the crash.
Acting quickly is important because strict filing deadlines apply to wrongful death and fatal accident claims in California.
Call J&Y Law today at (877) 718-5027 for a free consultation. A legal team can review the facts and help your family pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.