A Los Angeles Fire Department recruit who may have been involved in a traffic collision and exited his vehicle on the Hollywood (101) Freeway in Studio City was fatally struck Monday, possibly by a hit-and-run driver.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department and California Highway Patrol, a two-vehicle crash occurred around 5:10 a.m. on the northbound Hollywood Freeway at Campo de Cahuenga, near Vineland Avenue.
LAFD spokesman Capt. Erik Scott said department recruit Jacob Fuerte, 22, was one his way to training when he “may have been involved in a traffic collision.”
“He got out of his vehicle, likely to assess the situation and render aid to anyone in need, when he was hit by another vehicle,” Scott said.
Fuerte was pronounced dead at the scene. There was no immediate information on the vehicle that struck him, and Scott said the California Highway Patrol was conducting a hit-and-run investigation.
Fire officials initially indicated that the recruit had come upon a crash on the freeway and stopped to render aid to those involved, but on Monday afternoon Scott said Fuerte himself may have been involved in the initial crash.
Much of the northbound freeway was shut down in the area while an investigation was conducted.
Fuerte’s body was eventually covered with an American flag and placed in a Medical Examiner’s van, then driven in a solemn procession to the Medical Examiner’s office in Boyle Heights. Firefighters were seen saluting as the procession exited the freeway.
Mayor Karen Bass said during Monday’s State of the City address that she had met with members of Fuerte’s family. His father is a 17-year veteran LAFD firefighter-paramedic.
“My heart goes out to the family during this difficult time, and I’ve ordered city flags to be flown at half-staff in Jacob’s honor and I thank all first responders, especially today,” Bass said.
City Council President Paul Krekorian called for a moment of silence in Fuerte’s memory before Bass began her speech.
“Jacob had made a commitment to a life of service and he was on his way to the training academy Drill Tower when he saw people in need,” Krekorian said.
“With the kind of selfless heroism that we so often see from our first responders, Jacob immediately sprang into action to come to their a great risk to himself, and that decision cost him his life.
“”On behalf of the city of Los Angeles, we extend our deepest sympathies to Jacob’s family and loved ones, to his recruit class, and to all of the men and women of the LAFD.”
Scott said Fuerte “understood the importance of helping those in need.”
LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley issued a statement saying, “I received devastating news this morning that one of our firefighters lost their life tragically. He had just started his firefighting career, which requires courage, bravery, and prioritizing others before oneself. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family during this most difficult time.”
Fuerte joined the fire department on Feb. 12 and was in his 10th week of a 20-week training program, Scott said. He is survived by his father, two sisters and a brother.
Anyone with information regarding the fatality was urged to contact the CHP West Valley Office at 818-888-0980.