A “Ghost Tire Memorial” will be erected today at the South Los Angeles intersection where three young women tragically lost their lives in a high-speed crash involving an Uber driver. The nonprofit organization Streets Are For Everyone, dedicated to preventing traffic-related fatalities, in collaboration with Faith for SAFE Streets, a faith-based coalition focusing on the most affected areas of South Los Angeles, will be responsible for the placement of the memorial.
The incident occurred when Gregory Black, 31, driving a Mercedes-Benz at potentially 90 mph, ran a red light on Vermont Avenue and collided with the Uber vehicle, a Honda, traveling on Century Boulevard. The crash resulted in the deaths of passengers Juvelyn Arroyo, Veronica Amezola, and Kimberly Izquierdo. Black sustained non-life-threatening injuries, was taken to a hospital, and ultimately apprehended.
The devastating loss includes the sisters Kimberly Izquierdo and Veronica Amezola, who had been lifelong friends with Juvelyn Arroyo. The families have set up GoFundMe pages to assist with funeral expenses.
The Uber driver and a male passenger also suffered injuries, though not as severe as those of the victims. Gregory Black has been charged with three counts of vehicular manslaughter and is currently in custody.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with authorities considering whether drugs or alcohol played a role. Detective Ryan Moreno of the Los Angeles Police Department expressed his determination to ensure that those who engage in dangerous speeding face appropriate legal consequences.
The crash scene was described as “just horrible,” resembling the aftermath of an explosion due to the high number of casualties. This area has witnessed numerous speed-related accidents in recent weeks, contributing to the 70 traffic-related fatalities in the LAPD’s South Traffic Division this year.
The memorial event will feature white-painted tires to symbolize the tragedy and highlight the urgency of addressing speeding through street re-engineering and the potential implementation of speed cameras. Assembly Bill 645, which aims to introduce a speed camera pilot program in six California cities with a focus on schools, high-injury networks, and street racing areas, is awaiting review in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
According to Damian Kevitt, the executive director of Streets Are For Everyone, speed cameras have proven effective in reducing accidents and fatalities in over 150 cities nationwide. Los Angeles witnessed a record 312 fatalities in 2022, with speed consistently identified as the leading factor in traffic collisions since at least 2011.
As of August 12th, there have been 194 fatalities this year, according to LAPD data. In the meantime, the GoFundMe pages set up for the victims’ families have garnered significant support.
The families shared heartfelt messages, describing the accomplishments and dreams of their loved ones. Kimberly Izquierdo had recently graduated from nursing school and was making strides in her career. Veronica Amezola, a graduate of Cal Poly Humboldt, was passionate about environmental science and recently secured a position working with animals in Orange County.
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