A meaningful tribute was established on Thursday at the intersection in South Los Angeles where three young women from Orange County tragically lost their lives in a high-speed crash while riding in an Uber. The memorial, consisting of three white tires, adorned with the names of the victims, was created by Streets are for Everyone, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting traffic safety and Faith for SAFE Streets, a faith-based coalition that focuses on improving safety in South Los Angeles.
The crash occurred when Gregory Black, 31, driving a Mercedes-Benz, ran a red light at Vermont Avenue and Century Boulevard. The Uber vehicle, a Honda, was broadsided by Black’s car, resulting in devastating consequences. Black, who was driving at a potentially excessive speed of 90 mph, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was later arrested.
The three victims of this tragedy were Juvelyn Arroyo, 23, from San Juan Capistrano; Veronica Amezola, 23, and Kimberly Izquierdo, 27, both from Santa Ana. Notably, Izquierdo and Amezola were sisters, and they had been friends with Arroyo since childhood. To support the grieving families, GoFundMe pages have been established.
The Uber driver and a male passenger sustained lesser injuries, and Black now faces three counts of vehicular manslaughter. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently in custody with a bail set at $4 million. Detective Ryan Moreno of the Los Angeles Police Department, who is leading the investigation, shared that Black has a criminal history, with multiple prior arrests and convictions. Moreno is determined to ensure that those responsible for fatal traffic collisions are held accountable.
The crash scene drew considerable attention for its devastating impact, akin to the aftermath of an explosion. Sadly, this incident is part of a disturbing trend of speed-related crashes in the area, with 70 traffic-related fatalities recorded this year alone in the LAPD’s South Traffic Division. Recognizing the urgent need for change, the organizers of the memorial emphasized the importance of implementing measures to curb speeding, such as re-engineering streets to encourage safer driving speeds. They also urged the California Legislature to pass Assembly Bill 645, which proposes a pilot program for installing speed cameras in specific locations.
According to Damian Kevitt, the executive director of Streets are for Everyone, speed cameras have been successfully employed in over 150 cities across the nation, effectively reducing accidents and fatalities. Kevitt expressed his commitment to making roads safer and the need for continued advocacy.
Statistics further highlight the severity of the issue, with Los Angeles witnessing a record 312 fatalities in 2022, with speed being a significant contributing factor. As of August 12 this year, there have already been 194 fatalities. Unveiling the memorial, Kevitt stressed the urgency of making roads safer and pledged to work tirelessly to achieve this goal.
In the midst of this tragedy, the community has rallied together to support the affected families. Notably, the GoFundMe pages for Arroyo’s family and Izquierdo and Amezola’s family have garnered significant support, with donations surpassing $14,000 and $34,000, respectively.
The victims’ families have shared touching tributes, emphasizing the vibrant personalities and promising futures of their loved ones. Kimberly Izquierdo, in addition to graduating from nursing school and pursuing her career in the medical field, actively participated in her dance team during her time at Cal State Dominguez Hills. In contrast, Veronica Amezola graduated from Cal Poly Humboldt and had a passion for environmental science, undertaking field research among the Redwoods. Her recent employment at the County of Orange allowed her to work with animals, bringing her closer to her career aspirations.
As the community mourns these devastating losses, it serves as a reminder of the pressing need for safer roads and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations. The memorial acts as a symbol of remembrance, urging individuals and policymakers to take action to prevent such senseless accidents in the future.
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