June 17, 2025 – Studio City, CA – A tragic early morning crash on the Ventura (101) Freeway claimed the lives of an off-duty Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy and a female companion on Tuesday.The incident occurred around 2:15 a.m. at the junction of the westbound 101 and the Hollywood (170) Freeway near the Tujunga Avenue exit. According to the California Highway Patrol, a black Kia compact SUV had stopped in the traffic lanes for unknown reasons. Both occupants — Deputy Marcos Pena Jr., 31, and a woman — exited the vehicle shortly before a white International box truck slammed into them and the stopped SUV. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics arrived on the scene and pronounced both victims deceased. We are heartbroken by the tragic and untimely loss of Deputy Pena Jr., who was taken from us far too soon,” said Sheriff Robert Luna. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all those who had the honor of serving alongside him.”Deputy Pena, remembered as a dedicated public servant, was off-duty at the time of the incident. The crash remains under investigation by CHP officers, who have not yet disclosed why the Kia was stopped in active lanes.
DC Law Group: Advocates for Families Affected by Fatal Freeway Crash in North Hollywood
On the early morning of June 17, 2025, tragedy struck on the westbound 101 Freeway near the Tujunga Avenue exit in North Hollywood. At approximately 2:20 a.m., off-duty LA County deputy Marcos Peña Jr., age 31, and a woman exited their black Kia SUV for reasons still under investigation. Suddenly, both were struck by a passing white box truck and were pronounced dead at the scene by LAFD paramedics.
Deputy Peña Jr., who joined the LASD in 2022 and served at Men’s Central Jail, was remembered by Sheriff Robert Luna as a dedicated and honorable public servant. His sudden loss has left his family and colleagues—and the Los Angeles community—devastated.
This fatal freeway crash underscores the unpredictable dangers pedestrians face on busy highways. Families coping with the sudden death of a loved one deserve legal guidance and advocacy during this most difficult time.
Free Case Evaluation
If you’ve lost a family member or been injured in a freeway crash involving pedestrian or vehicle fatalities, DC Law Group offers a Free Case Evaluation. In this no-cost, no-obligation consultation, our attorneys will listen to your story, review available evidence—from CHP and LAPD reports to witness and dashcam footage—and help clarify your legal options for justice and compensation.
Dedicated and Experienced Legal Team
DC Law Group has a proven track record in wrongful death and serious injury cases caused by vehicular negligence and unsafe conditions. Our team works with accident reconstruction experts, examines all official and scene-based documentation, and fights assertively for families of police officers, civilians, and other victims. We pursue full compensation to cover funeral costs, loss of income, emotional suffering, and more.
No Fees Unless You Win
During times of grief, financial barriers should not stand in the way of justice. DC Law Group operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only owe legal fees if we successfully recover compensation for you. We are committed to serving your family with respect, integrity, and dedication.
How to Contact DC Law
If your family has been touched by this or any tragic freeway incident, don’t navigate the process alone. Call (310) 571‑8860 now to speak with a compassionate legal professional at DC Law Group. We are available 24/7 to provide support, answer questions, and begin the journey toward justice, accountability, and healing. In moments of profound loss, having a trusted legal advocate can be life-changing. DC Law Group stands with families affected by this tragedy, committed to honoring Deputy Peña Jr.’s memory through justice, compassion, and unwavering advocacy.