The 16-year-old driver of a moped was killed in Santa Monica Sunday night and his passenger suffered critical injuries.
The accident happened about 9 pm at the intersection of Olympic Blvd. and 26th St. According to the Santa Monica Police Department, the driver of the moped, Leo Castillo, a 16-year old Sana Monica High School freshman, was northbound on 26th St. He was carrying a 20-year-old male passenger. At the same time, a 73-year-old male driver was westbound on Olympic. The police are reporting that the vehicle driver entered the intersection on a green light and the moped driver ran a red light. The vehicle driver was apparently unable to avoid colliding with the motorized scooter.
Both the moped's driver and passenger were transported to a local hospital. Castillo, the driver, was pronounced dead at the hospital. His passenger is reported to be in critical condition.
Eva Mayoral, Samohi's principal, confirmed that Castillo was a freshman at the high school and in the S-House.
The driver of the vehicle which struck the moped remained at the scene and cooperated. According to the police, the driver was determined not to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He was released after being interviewed.
News reports do not mention whether the moped driver and passenger were wearing helmets.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Santa Monica car or moped accident, a lawyer at McGee, Lerer and Associates is available 24-7 for a free consultation. Our husband and wife attorney team have over 40 years of combined experience representing injury victims. If you hire our firm, there is no up-front fee and no fee whatsoever unless we recover money for you. You can learn more about our No Fee Promise here.