Fatality on the 405 Freeway on Tuesday

A couple of readers have asked me what happened Tuesday on the northbound 405 Freeway during the afternoon rush hour. One reader wrote in an e-mail that it took her two hours to get from West Los Angeles to Moorpark.

The problem was a fatal motorcycle crash on the northbound 405, just after the Skirball Center junction. Here's the explanation from the California Highway Patrol press release:

"On 8-26-2008 at approximately 5:36 p.m. CHP units were dispatched to a call of a traffic collision involving a motorcycle rider and dump-truck towing a trailer on I-405 northbound, south of Ventura Blvd. The motorcycle was traveling northbound in the #2 lane, alongside the dump-truck who was traveling in the #3 lane. For unknown reasons the motorcycle rider lost control of his motorcycle and collided with the left side of the dump-truck. The motorcycle rider was ejected and struck by the left rear tires of the trailer, where he was dragged an undetermined distance as the dump-truck came to a stop. The motorcycle rider sustained fatal injuries due to the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of this collision is still under investigation."

The victim was identified as Thomas Brough, 55, of North Hills. The driver of the dump-truck was identified as Ulices Cruz, 35, of Sylmar.

I think it's important to emphasize that fault hasn't been assigned. That said, I do want to point readers to a recent post here at Bottleneck Blog on the declining number of vehicle-related deaths in the U.S. and the rising number of motorcycle fatalities.

I also would like to encourage everyone on the freeways and roadways to please, please, please be careful. Earlier this year I wrote another story about Sunset Boulevard in Brentwood being closed after a fatal accident in which a motorcyclist hit a truck and got stuck under it.

-- Steve Hymon

Comments

[Liza]

To Bobbie, JB, Ron, Wade, Heidi, Wendy and the entire Brough Family-Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God bless you all and give you the strength to help you move forward. I know that Tom is now with Dennis and they are giving you strength and love from above. Our sincere condolences from Renton, Washington, Liza Furlan and Shawna Jewell

[Liza Furlan]

Bobbie, JB, Ron, Wade, Sue, Heidi, Wendy and the rest of the Brough Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May Tom and Dennis look on you all in this time of loss, and give you the strength to carry on. Much love, Liza and Shawna (Renton, Washington)

[Gary Sidell]

To Bobbie Brough and The Brough Family:

Tom was a good friend of mine for many years as was the whole family.
I was saddened by the news of his passing.
Let us all remember the good things about Tom, he will remain in everyones thoughts forever.
To the family stay strong and bond together.
RIP Tom and God Bless The Brough Family

[Marcie Romero]

To: The Brough Family

Not sure but I belive this was my
Motorcycle/freeway buddy!

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family.
I was very sad that Tuesday after work..

God Bless You Brough Family.......

A very sad distance friend.

[Christine Benton]

It matters not how someone died or any of the details involved. it only matters how someone truly LIVED. Tom was a great husband, father, grandfather, friend and neighbor. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Rest in peace Tom and May God Bless all the Brough family members.

[keith]

To Mrs.B and the Brough Family........

Not only was he a Son, Father, Grandfather......He was a Very good Friend.........To the Lives he's touched along the way..........And to the ones Lucky Enough to know him........Just know that he will be Missed & will always be in our hearts...................My heart goes out to all the Family..............................KM

[J. Brough]

Tam, I'm Tom's cousin and I didn't need to know that. I don't think you were being malicious and may have had good intentions. And yes, other drivers should not be subjected to seeing such things. That said, you could have set aside your attempt at a "Well, duh!" moment for a little sensitivity towards the family.

Tom was a kind and loving family man and we are all shaken by his loss. My love to the rest of the family.

[TB]

While I too am a family member, please understand that certain family members do not need to read on the internet the graphic details of the accident. I can understand it was meant to be informative, as a blog it should have been done with some sensitivity. Tam should be ashamed for not having any remorse for the family's loss. Show some respect!

To the close relatives of the family... I AM SO SORRY this happened. I love you all and have you in my thoughts and prayers!

Tom, I will miss your warm heart, smile and eyes! You were a wonderful man and this is a tragic loss!!!

TB

[Joe]

A Brough: Tam was just reporting what he/she saw, not trying to be salacious. It's a legitmate question as to why they wouldn't have cleaned up the scene as much as possible before clearing for traffic. No malice was intended quite obviously, although the level of detail was probably a bit much.

My sincere condolences on your family's loss in this tragic accident.

[A BROUGH]

No one needed to know about the details of what is left over from the accident. I am a member of the Brough family and that is somethig you should have kept to yourself "Tam".

[Tam]

I sat in that traffic as well - unfortunately, I approached the scene of the accident before the coroner had arrived, and saw something I never wanted to see in my life. Thanks for letting us know what happened - I've been searching for information about this accident for a couple of days to try and give myself some closure.

Also, the distance of of drag shouldn't really be undetermined - there's a long streak of blood on the pavement of the 405, as I noticed yesterday. Shouldn't they have tried to wash that off before they reopened the freeway? =(

R.I.P. Thomas.

[JB]

thanks for the infor. we were affected.