In the early hours of Monday, a longtime public servant was killed during what would become his last act of service on a Los Angeles freeway.
Sergeant Shiou Deng of the Los Angeles Police Department was killed on June 23, 2025, while assisting a stranded driver on the southbound 405 Freeway. His death has sparked widespread mourning across the city and law enforcement community, as tributes pour in for the highly respected veteran officer.
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The incident unfolded just before 2 a.m. near Getty Center in West Los Angeles, when a Toyota pickup truck lost control and crashed.
Another car swerved to avoid the wreck and struck the center divider. Responding to the scene, Sergeant Deng, who was in his patrol SUV, activated his emergency lights and pulled over to help.
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As he exited his vehicle to reach the pickup driver, both men were struck by an oncoming car. The truck driver was killed instantly. Deng was transported by ambulance to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
Meanwhile, a rescue helicopter had landed on the freeway but was not used. The collision brought traffic to a complete halt, and the southbound lanes remained closed well into the morning commute before reopening early that afternoon.
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City officials quickly confirmed the officer’s identity and paid tribute to his service. In a press conference, Mayor Karen Bass expressed her condolences and emphasized the risks officers face daily.
“Sgt. Deng’s last act was one of service — putting the safety and wellbeing of others above all else,” she said, highlighting his decades of dedication to the city.
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LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell also spoke in front of news outlets, confirming that Deng had been trying to help the crash victim when he was struck. “He died a hero,” McDonnell said. “He was out there helping others.”
Additionally, the chief said that Deng was “a deeply respected leader” whose passing was “immeasurable” for both the department and the wider community.
In a written statement posted online, McDonnell said Deng was “tragically killed” and reflected on the late officer’s character and legacy, citing his 26 years of honorable service.
He also described Deng as a man of “integrity, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to public service.” Officials promised continued support for his family and stated that memorial details would be released in the coming days.
As news of his death spread, tributes poured in both offline and online. A police procession was held to escort Deng’s body from the hospital to the coroner’s office, drawing participation from the California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles Fire Department, and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Councilwoman Traci Park shared footage from the event, describing the collective grief and unity displayed by first responders.
“Thank you to Sgt. Deng for your service and to our brave first responders for honoring him in this way. Our city mourns this devastating loss. We will never forget Sgt. Deng’s courage or sacrifice 🖤💙 [sic],” she wrote.
On social media, others joined in mourning the fallen officer. Former colleague Alex Mora-espino shared photos of Deng and reflected on their close bond within the police force, which can become like “a second family.” The sergeant was an important part of “that family” and someone who brought happiness daily.
Meanwhile, the LAPD and local news outlets, including KNX News 97.1 FM, posted videos of the lengthy procession, which featured a solemn line of patrol vehicles moving through the city in his honor.
Unfortunately, recklessness on the road has taken many lives around the country. As previously reported, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department confirmed that 77-year-old Dorothy Dobbins was struck by a vehicle driven by singer Conner Smith on Sunday evening, June 8, 2025.
The fatal crash occurred around 7:30 p.m. as Dobbins crossed 3rd Avenue North at Van Buren Street in a marked crosswalk. She was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she later died.
Preliminary findings indicate that Smith, 24, failed to yield the right of way. Authorities reported no signs of impairment, and no charges had been filed at the time.
Sources close to Smith told TMZ the crash was a tragic accident and said he was neither under the influence nor distracted by his phone.
In a statement to the outlet, Smith’s attorney, Worrick G. Robinson, said, “On June 8th, Mr. Smith was involved in a car accident that tragically claimed a life. His heart goes out to Ms. Dobbins’ family during this incredibly difficult time.” Additionally, Robinson said Smith was cooperating fully with the investigation.
