Aaron Avery Killed in Inglewood Pedestrian Accident
The 22-year-old SoFi Stadium security guard was struck by a suspected impaired driver while walking home from work
Aaron Avery, 22, was killed in a pedestrian crash at Van Ness Avenue and 104th Street on June 14, according to the Inglewood Police Department.
Paramedics rushed the victim to a local hospital with severe head trauma, where he was pronounced brain dead the following day. Officers arrested the driver at the scene after observing symptoms consistent with impairment, and investigators suspect speed played a role in the collision.
Avery was walking home from his second day working as a security guard at SoFi Stadium for the World Cup when the vehicle struck him.
His family authorized the donation of his heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and spleen, a decision that could potentially save up to eight lives.
Police are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact traffic investigators.
What is the status of the DUI investigation?
Families navigating the sudden loss of a loved one to an impaired driver face a complex path to justice. While criminal charges hold the at-fault driver accountable, independent investigations are important to uncover the full scope of liability.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Distraction and impairment frequently overlap in fatal pedestrian crashes, and establishing the full picture requires reviewing cellphone records, witness statements, and surveillance footage alongside chemical testing results."
"Legal counsel can manage that investigative process while helping surviving relatives understand financial recovery options for funeral expenses, lost income, and the long-term emotional toll following catastrophic loss," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,080 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2024, with alcohol-impaired driving remaining a leading factor in fatal collisions nationwide.
What factors are examined in an intersection collision?
In pedestrian accidents such as this, traffic safety analysts note that intersection design and driver impairment frequently combine to create fatal outcomes. While preliminary reports indicate the driver was impaired, investigators will also examine the traffic signals and lighting at Van Ness Avenue and 104th Street.
Individuals involved in pedestrian accidents may have legal options. Consulting a personal injury attorney can help clarify rights and potential claims.
California wrongful death statute
Under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.60, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. California applies pure comparative fault. The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering.
Families pursuing these claims typically have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of death to file a civil action.
"Surviving relatives have legal standing to pursue a wrongful death claim when a crash takes a family member. An attorney evaluates that standing, organizes key documentation, and moves the entire process forward without adding pressure to an already grieving household," noted Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal.