Full Breakdown
Fatal Hit-and-Run in Playa del Rey Leaves Man and Infant Dead
5/3/2026, 11:52:18 PM
Incident Overview
At approximately 4:30 a.m. on May 3, 2026, a two-vehicle collision occurred at the 6800 block of South Vista Del Mar, near Culver Boulevard in Playa del Rey. A white Jeep SUV fled the scene on foot. Emergency responders found a man (?30) dead at the scene and a 1-year-old child who later died at a hospital. A woman (?30) and a second juvenile were transported in critical condition. Police describe the suspect as a Hispanic male, possibly 25 years old.
Data & Statistics
- Time: 4:30 – 4:34 a.m.
- Location: 6800 block of South Vista Del Mar, Playa del Rey, CA (near LAX).
- Fatalities: 2 (man, 1-year-old).
- Injured: 2 (woman, juvenile).
- Vehicle: White Jeep SUV, described as driven by a Hispanic male.
Official Statements & Responses
LAPD confirmed the two fatalities and said the investigation is ongoing. LAFD reported the adult died at the scene while the infant succumbed after transport. Officer Norma Eisenman said the driver abandoned the white Jeep and ran northbound. Authorities have not released further suspect details and continue to seek public assistance.
On-the-Ground Accounts
Cory Cooper, a nearby resident, said he performed CPR on the child and another passenger while waiting for emergency services, and described a woman trying to keep the infant warm.
Criticism & Opposition
Local residents have long complained that Vista Del Mar is a high-speed corridor with insufficient police presence, calling the stretch “dangerous” and urging more enforcement.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the suspect’s age (some cite 25 years, others give no age) and on how he fled (video suggests on foot, other accounts imply the vehicle left). Reports also vary on whether the injured were a 27-year-old woman and a “young girl” or a woman and an unnamed juvenile, and no source confirms any familial relationship among the victims.
What’s Next
LAPD continues to search for the suspect, reviewing surveillance footage and canvassing the neighborhood. The department urges anyone with information to call the police hotline. The investigation remains open.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We just don't have enough police monitoring it, but I've seen people, because I've lived here almost 50 years, I've seen people hit 70, 80, 90 in this strip. They really think it's Le Mans. They're clueless and they don't care.” — Local resident
- “When I walked up to the accident, there were some people already there and there was a man holding the child, and it didn’t look like the child was doing well, so we gave him CPR, waited for 911 and then they pulled out another passenger while we were giving CPR and she didn’t look good, either,” — Cory Cooper
- “(She) ran over and was holding the child and trying to get him warm, saying, ‘He’s still warm. He’s still warm,’” — Cory Cooper
- “It’s something you don’t wish on anybody, but that was awful,” — Cory Cooper
