Man killed in motorcycle crash in Gardena

A Los Angeles man died Tuesday afternoon after his motorcycle collided with a van in Gardena, authorities said.

Herbert Herman Rivas, 43, was riding his motorcycle eastbound on Redondo Beach Boulevard about 3 p.m. when he crashed into an oncoming Toyota Sienna van that was turning left on Budlong Avenue in his path, according to a Gardena Police Department statement.

Rivas was treated by paramedics at the scene and taken to a hospital, where he died of his injuries.

It was unknown whether the van driver was injured.

Redondo Beach Boulevard were closed from Raymond to Budlong avenues while the crash was investigated. Police could not give an estimate of when the road would reopen.

Gardena police are asking witnesses to call Traffic Investigator Sergio Borbon at (310) 217-6135.

-- Abby Sewell

Comments

[Jorge]

If anything...the motorcyclist died because the van turned left in front of him leaving him no time to react.

This smells of the van driver's fault...but they'll claim that they didn't see him coming.

Look twice for motorcyclists please.

[SONJA]

RIP HERBERT...YOU WILL BE MISSED ...I HOPE HEAVEN IS READY FOR AN ANGEL (COMEDIAN) LIKE YOU ....LOL ...WE LOVE YOU <3

[TheBigPicture]

in response to Jorge...

I'd say they were both contributors to this accident...The van's left turn and the motorcycle's speed...

I've never seen a motorcycle go the speed the limit and usually they are way over...

He probably didn't see him...you think he did it on purpose...

[edwin hernandez]

the person in the sienega needs 2 turn in and explain wat happen thats really mest up because he hit and the guy in the motor cycle was lien down could of at least help hope god doesnt forget him thats really mest up i know that guy herbert rest in peace

[JC]

I was there. And what's not reported in this story is that the man laid in the middle of the street dying while the Gardena Memorial Hospital Emergency Room attendants went on with business as usual. I've got the photos and video to prove it. It took almost ten minutes for L.A. County Fire to show up. After them was McCormick Ambulance, who after the man died, took him across the street, literally, to the Gardena Hospital Emergency Room---a few feet away. They didn't even have to turn on their sirens or put on a seat belt because they pulled off of of Redondo Beach Blvd. into the parking lot of the hospital. This accident happened in front of a hospital with an ER room. No on from that hospital came to help and it was not as if they didn't know. I was in my eye doctor's office and heard it and we all came running out. I don't know if he would have survived had the hospital not ignored the man in the middle street, but I think he might have had more of chance for survival.

[Get Planted]

It was probably officially the fault of the driver of the van. On the other hand, I drive 50 to 100 miles on LA freeways and streets every day and see how dangerously many motorcyclists drive. I'm amazed that many of them don't get killed every day.

[Walter Moore]

Jorge, that was the first thought that came into my mind, too.

I'm guessing you, like me, ride a motorcycle. Luckily -- knock on wood -- I haven't had drivers do too many stupid things around me, but I think that's largely because I'm very visible: big man, big bike, bright green with lots of chrome.

The van driver could have and should have seen the motorcyclist coming -- our bikes now all automatically have the headlight on. We can be sure the motorcyclist saw the van, and would have seen it if it started the turn a reasonable amount of time before he reached the intersection. The only plausible explanation -- unless the motorcycle was going incredibly fast -- is that the van cut in front of the motorcyclist.

[Joel]

R.I.P MAN

[Irvin Rivas]

@JC If you have any evidence of my fathers death can you please contact me irvinrivas83@gmail.com this will help me out with lawyer and my family because they are blaming everything on him and saying that he was responsible for the accident please can you contact me thank you

[Norma Rivas]

RIP to my Great uncle he was the best. He made everyone laugh and was always there for support and when in need. This has caused so much sorrow in our family my grandma that is in El Salvador is very sick. My mom his sister is very very sad to know her big brother that she shared many years with has passed away. WE LOVE U SO MUCH TIO! <3

Cars need to be aware of motorcycles as they arent regular cars and they can be crushe very easy. I agree with my cousin that it was the cars fault and that he should be sued because he tool someones life because of his wreckless dryving.

[annonimous]

I actually know a witness that was there this guys was driving way above the limit... speed was the factor here.