LAPD officer and father of five dies in crash [Updated]

An off-duty Los Angeles police officer and father of five children died early this morning in a solo vehicle crash, authorities said.

Department officials did not immediately release the identity of the officer but said he was a veteran with nearly 20 years on the job. He was assigned to the LAPD's northeast division.

The officer had just left work on his own motorcycle when the accident occurred about 2:30 a.m. near Fletcher Drive and Larga Avenue in Atwater Village, about a quarter mile from the police station. He was taken by ambulance to Glendale Memorial Hospital, where he died of his injuries.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation, police said.

[Updated, 2:45 p.m.: The officer was identified as Kenneth Aragon, 47, who was head of the Police Athletic League. He was also involved with a youth outreach program that took at-risk kids to the beach and involved them in other activities.] 

-- Andrew Blankstein

More breaking news in L.A. Now:

Polanski moved from prison to undisclosed location for 'security reasons'

Gloria Allred cancels L.A. news conference involving Rachel Uchitel, woman linked to Tiger Woods

Pedestrian killed in downtown L.A.; one arrested

2010 gay marriage vote unlikely in California

Comments

[Robert]

Too bad it didn't happen to one of the dirt-bag motor officers here in Simi Valley. They're crooks with a lot of karma to pay off.

[August]

I'm waiting for toxicological reports to come back.

[Jet]

August,

why would you be waiting? I guess you have nothing better to do. I have a yard full of weeds that I have not been able to get to waiting for you if you need something to keep your mind and body busy? Let me know. And have a wonderful day.

[Fooey]

Lots of speeding in that area.

[Rodney M.]

My deepest condolences to Officer Aragon's family, I really feel sad for his five children. Single motorcycle crashes are usually caused by driver error and most fatal motorcycle accidents happened because the rider lost control of his vehicle while speeding. It's just so sad that he had to leave his family this way especially when he could have easily avoided it by driving at a reasonable speed.

[VS]

I believe there's more to this story.....(alcohol? sleep deprivation?)

[tjaguilera]

wow what a statement: can't wait for the toxilogical reports to come back. Here is a man who has dedicated 20 years of his life to make "your" world a better place. Where Kenny happenened to be was automaticaly a better, safer,and peaceful place. I know because "Ace was a Puebloan, where honor, respect,and integrity were instilled in our values, our way of life....I to was a 15 year California resident, raised in Pueblo like Ace. Where others could not make a difference Kenny always did. He is an officer of the law,husband,father,friend and truly one of Gods creations. CA. you were lucky to have the privelege and honor to briefly call him yours. I love and miss you "ACE"!! Your family Pueblo Colorado Rest in peace my brother. See you soon!!!!!!

[tjaguilera]

Kenny "ACE" you will never be forgotten. You and your family are a true testament to what is right in raising teaching and god we will miss you.

[OCFriends]

We were very pround to call Kenny "Friend". He was a wonderful father and husband who truly loved his family. Not only are the adults shaken by this horrible event the many children who's lives he touched are deeply saddened. Thank you God for sharing him with us even if it was too short a time.

[Lisa]

I've never met officer Aragon, but am shocked at the callousness and cruelty of some of the comments on here. Why on earth does your first reaction have to be to assume the worst possible about a man you've probably never met? And even if you are so negative and cynical that that's your first thought, what cruelty compels you to post it for everyone to read, including his loved ones?

From the very little I've read about officer Aragon, he sounds like exactly the type of individual we should all be grateful for, and I for one am.

To his family and friends - I am so sorry for your loss, and know that even those of us who never met him are holding you in our hearts and hoping that you find comfort in this difficult time. It sounds like his children had a father anyone would be very proud of, and because of his generous community involvement, we will all suffer for his loss. Rest in peace, sir.

[vicki]

ok August, you better check yourself. Tox report? REALLY? He was on his way to work you idiot!!!!!!! How dare you. He was a good man, a good father, and a good cop. How dare you.

[tim bragg jr]

Officer Aragon was a great officer. Northeast took a massive hit with his untimely death. He was always positive and played a pretty big part in my life. if it wasn't for his advice and experience in the military, I probably wouldn't be wearing the army uniform I am wearing today. He was charismatic and passionate about his job... the los angeles police deparment lost one of its finest officers... I know many citizens of los angeles dislike the officers who patrol the streets, but let me say this about kenny... he was dedicated to bettering our neighborhoods and giving youth a safe and positive place to be.

[Karen Hoopes]

All of you who have negative comments need to get a life. Kenny was one of my best friends all the way through high school and was like a brother to me throughout my life. Have you ever heard of an accident. This was truly an accident. It is Christmas and his family and friends are mourning him. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Kenny was an awesome friend, father, husband, brother, son. He was truly one of God's children and anyone who knew him would tell you that. Maybe he was tired. He gave his life to doing good for others. He will be missed dearly by all of us who knew and loved him.

[Collette Family]

We want the Aragon family to know that the entire Collette Family in Pueblo is mourning the loss of this good hearted friend and family man. Kenny (ACE) will be missed by each and everyone of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Patty (Dolak) Concialdi]

I have only one thing to say! The world lost a great person!!! He was a great cop, friend, father and my life will never be the same knowing he is no longer in this world. I have known Kenny for 30 years and he always did what was right. He gave his life everyday to keep everyone safe. Until we meet again in heaven (just like you told my mom) i will forever love you!!

[breanna ortiz]

he was my fravorite softball coach.......... and i am very sorry for his family and my friend his daughther... :-(

[VS]

WOW!!!!! The truth comes out. He was under the influence of alcohol. My prayers go out to his children. Its unfortunate he lost his life the way he did.