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LAPD asks for public’s help in hit-and-run Beverly Grove crash that claimed life of 26-year-old podcast host

A popular podcast host was killed over the weekend when a car crashed into him as he walked down a street in Beverly Grove and police are asking for the public’s help to identify the driver.

The fatal crash happened around 2:20 a.m. Saturday when a white BMW going eastbound on Beverly Boulevard collided with the man who was walking southbound on Croft Avenue in an unmarked crosswalk, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a news release.


The driver of the BMW kept driving and did not stop to render aid or identify themselves as required by California law, LAPD said.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and paramedics provided medical treatment to the victim, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office identified the victim of the crash as 26-year-old Mathew George.

In a tweet Michaela Okland, host of the “She Rates Dogs Podcast,” confirmed her co-host’s death.

The “She Rates Dogs” Podcast shares dating, relationship and life advice with listeners. On Twitter, Okland described her co-host as “vibrant, loving, accepting and wonderful.” And said his podcast community “made him so happy.”

In lieu of flowers, George’s family is asking people who would like to make a donation to give to Operation Breakthrough, an organization in Kansas City that helps low income families.

Anyone with information about the crash or the driver of the BMW is asked to contact West Traffic Division detectives at 213-473-0234. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or at lacrimestoppers.org