Adrian Carrillo: 26-year-old Marine and his girlfriend among 3 killed in violent Panorama City crash, family says
A 26-year-old U.S. Marine and his girlfriend were among three people killed in a violent crash in Panorama City , according to a family member.
The crash was reported just after 9:30 p.m. Friday on Terra Bella Street and Woodman Avenue.
Adrian Carrillo, an active Marine, was driving a blue Ford Mustang with his girlfriend when police said a driver in a gray Plymouth minivan ran a red light and slammed into the vehicle.
"Investigators believe the driver of the minivan was fleeing the scene of an unrelated collision prior to this crash," police said in a statement. "Following the collision, the driver of the Honda Civic exited the vehicle and fled the scene, failing to stop, identify themselves, and render aid as required by law."
Carrillo and his girlfriend, who was not immediately identified, died at the scene. The driver of the minivan was also killed and a passenger in the van remains hospitalized in critical condition.
"He was like the brother I never ever had," said Carrillo's cousin, Juan Bautista. "I just loved him so much. He was such a good person. He dedicated himself to God. He took care of his parents so much."
Eyewitness News spoke with Bautista Saturday at the crash site as he visited a growing memorial filled with flowers and candles.
"It just pisses me off," said Bautista. "I'm mad that this happened to my cousin. Very young. 26 years old."
Now, some people who drive throughout Panorama City say they're heartbroken and concerned.
"You hear about accidents all over the world, but once you're there in that radius, it's like, 'Ok. It could happen to me. It could happen to somebody I know," said one neighbor.
"I'm literally about to tear up right now, but rest in peace to those souls," said Sebastian Porras, another neighbor. "I really hope that people can really understand to just drive safely. Our lives are so important, and anything can happen within seconds."
Some say many drivers don't use caution at that particular intersection.
"At least like once or twice a month, there's an accident.," said neighbor Anissa Avelar.
Bautista and his family are now left dealing with a tragedy so close to Christmas.
"I had so many things planned so we could just hang out," said Bautista. "Adrian, I'm going to miss you so much. You're always going to be in my heart ... always, always."
Police said the crash serves as a reminder to stay at the scene of a crash if you're involved until help arrives.
Meantime, investigators are still searching for the driver of the Civic who left their car.
Anyone with information regarding the crash is being asked to call the LAPD's Valley Traffic Division at (818) 644-8116 or (818) 644-8020. Calls during non-business hours or on weekends can be directed to (877) 527-3247. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
City News Service contributed to this report.
