The Los Angeles Fire Department is mourning the loss of a recruit firefighter who was killed in a hit-and-run crash on the northbound 101 Freeway in Studio City Monday morning.
According to LAFD, Jacob Fuerte, 22, “may have been involved in a traffic collision” shortly after 5 a.m. near Vineland Avenue as Fuerte was on his way to training.
“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,” fire department spokesman Erik Scott said in a videotaped statement posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Despite the efforts of emergency responders, including the fire department, Fuerte was pronounced dead at the scene.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the immediate family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” said Scott.
Sky5 was over the freeway as a procession made its way from the incident site to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office in Boyle Heights occurred around 10:30 a.m.
The incident closed lanes on the northbound 101 Freeway for several hours as an investigation into the death took place.
Fuerte was the son of a 17-year veteran firefighter/paramedic with the department. He is survived by his father, two sisters and a brother.
“Raised in the LAFD family, recruit Fuerte understood the importance of helping those in need,” said Scott.
No information about the hit-and-run driver was released.
Anyone with information was urged to contact the California Highway Patrol West Valley Office at 818-888-0980.