Wrong-way driver in 10 Freeway crash identified
The 21-year-old Van Nuys man who was driving the wrong way on the 10 Freeway when he collided head-on with a Culver City police officer was identified today as Luis Arnoldo Vanegas Palma, according to the Los Angeles County coroner's office.
Sgt. Curtis Massey, 41, was driving east on his way to work about 5 a.m. Wednesday when he was struck just west of National Boulevard by Palma’s car. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. California Highway Patrol officials said they are investigating the case and still have not determined why Palma was headed west in the eastbound lanes.
-- Corina Knoll
EDITOR'S PICKS:
My condolences to the family of the victims. May comfort be found in the words of John 5:28 & 29 in the difficult days ahead.
Posted by: Staycie | January 29, 2009 at 01:25 PM
let me guess, an illegal alien?
Posted by: ferenc | January 29, 2009 at 01:38 PM
My deepest sympathy to Steven, Jan and Curtis's family and friends. I have many fond memories of his laughter and humor. He was a hero and a gentleman , even way back then. God Bless.
-Frana Maria Smith
Posted by: Frana Maria Smith | January 29, 2009 at 06:22 PM
Of course he was an illegal. And probably DRUNK besides.
Posted by: RedondoBeacher | January 29, 2009 at 08:21 PM
hey ferenc,
"If you are under 13 years of age you may read this message board, but you may not participate"
Posted by: Joe | January 29, 2009 at 11:28 PM
This is why I want to move out of LA!!
Stupid people assuming stupid things
Posted by: anonymous | January 30, 2009 at 06:04 AM
JUST BECAUSE YOU SEE A HISPANIC NAME THAT DOES NOT MEAN HE IS AN ILLEGAL ALIEN MOST OF THE YOUNG HISPANIC PEOPLE ARE BECOMING STUPID JUST BECAUSE OF THE STUPID COMMENTS AND STUPID ACTIONS OF THE LEGAL CITIZENS THAT DON'T WANT TO HELP THE COMMUNITY......WE ALL NEED HELP TO HAVE A FUNCTIONAL SOCIETY.......
Posted by: CAIFAN | January 30, 2009 at 08:41 AM
"have not determined why Palma was headed west in the eastbound lanes."
I would wager drugs or drink were involved. You'd have to be totally boiled to get on a freeway the wrong way.
Posted by: Don | January 30, 2009 at 10:28 AM
siento mucho la muerte de Luis Arnoldo, hera un buen chico, muy trabajador, algo malo tuvo q pasar para q condujera en sentido contrario, Dios lo tenga en su gloria, te queremos mucho luis
Posted by: andrea | January 30, 2009 at 03:12 PM
Andrea: Subtitles please! This is North America, not Central America. English first!
Posted by: East Bureau | January 30, 2009 at 05:09 PM
Luis Vanegas, was a good boy, he was a good son, hard worker, only God knows why this accident happened, you want a long and Luis are going to miss you, God has you in his glory.
Posted by: Diana | January 31, 2009 at 01:23 AM
Do we know which off ramp the Luis Arnoldo Vanegas Palma entered the freeway? Robertson?
Posted by: Big Stu | January 31, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Sounds like Luis was either a suicide bomber in a vehicle or he was Corona'ed up and bombed. Either way, he was DEAD wrong.
Posted by: East Bureau | January 31, 2009 at 12:12 PM
I met Curt in April 2008 and spent eight months with him in Law Enforcement classes in Los Angeles. We are both supervisors from our respective agencies (I'm in Northern California). In and out of class we shared a lot of personal things in our professional and personal lives. Curt made a very lasting impression on me in the short time I knew him and he was committed to his profession, his organization, his community and his family. Curt was larger than life, he was a class act and he will be sorely missed. My sincerist thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and all those who had the privledge to know him. May he rest in peace!
Posted by: Steve Brown | January 31, 2009 at 02:22 PM
Sgt Massey was a wonderful man. Knowing him for the short time that I did was a pleasure. He always found ways to volunteer and help out in anyway. We have lost a great man.
Posted by: jenni | January 31, 2009 at 03:28 PM
Caifan, a "legal citizen" who was indeed helping his community has been lost thanks to the thoughtless, senseless, reckless acts of the individual in question. Americans have EVERY RIGHT to be interested in the safety and protection of THEIR communities, which are clearly being hurt by the poverty and desperation brought here. No other country in the world would tolerate the level of disrespect individuals show when they choose to bypass the laws and processes that have been developed in order to preserve the way of life that immigrants are seeking. We have a right to be angry.
Posted by: Jill | January 31, 2009 at 09:48 PM
He was a legal resident, also he was on the CSI school. (the kid)
he worked very hard to be someone, maybe he was sleeples, only God knows.
Posted by: Gianna | February 20, 2009 at 01:17 PM