STUDIO CITY (CNS) - A Los Angeles Fire Department recruit who was involved in a two-vehicle collision on the Hollywood (101) Freeway in Studio City exited his Jeep and was fatally struck by another vehicle, authorities said Tuesday.
According to the LAFD and the California Highway Patrol, a two-vehicle crash occurred around 5:10 a.m. Monday on the northbound Hollywood Freeway at Campo de Cahuenga, near Vineland Avenue.
According to the CHP, one of the two parties involved in the initial crash was an LAFD recruit -- identified by LAFD Capt. Erik Scott as 22-year-old Jacob Fuerte, who died at the scene.
Fuerte was on his way to training at the time of the crash, according to Scott. "He got out of his vehicle, likely to assess the situation and render aid to anyone in need, when he was hit by another vehicle," Scott said Monday.
On Tuesday, the CHP reported that Fuerte, a Riverside resident, was driving a 2000 Jeep that collided with a 2021 Ford driven by Derek Tapia, 36, of Montclair, who was not injured.
"Initial investigation suggests a two-vehicle traffic crash between Mr. Tapia and (Fuerte) took place," the CHP said in a statement. "After this initial crash, while his vehicle was still in traffic lanes, (Fuerte) exited his vehicle. At this time, an additional multiple-vehicle traffic crash took place while (Fuerte) was outside of his vehicle. During this second crash, (Fuerte) was struck by an unknown vehicle."
No description of the unknown vehicle was given by the parties involved in the crash or witnesses, according to the CHP.
Two people who were in a 2016 Toyota that was apparently involved in the second collision were treated at a hospital for minor injuries, the CHP reported.
Fire officials initially had indicated that Fuerte had come upon a crash on the freeway and stopped to render aid to those involved.
Much of the northbound freeway was shut down in the area while an investigation was conducted at the scene of Fuerte's fatal injury.
Fuerte's body was eventually covered with an American flag and placed in a Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner's van, then driven in a solemn procession to the Medical Examiner's Office in Boyle Heights. Firefighters were seen saluting as the procession exited the freeway.
Mayor Karen Bass said during Monday's State of the City address that she had met with members of Fuerte's family. His father is a 17-year veteran LAFD firefighter-paramedic.
"My heart goes out to the family during this difficult time, and I've ordered city flags to be flown at half-staff in Jacob's honor and I thank all first responders, especially today," Bass said.
City Council President Paul Krekorian called for a moment of silence in Fuerte's memory before Bass began her speech.
"Jacob had made a commitment to a life of service and he was on his way to the training academy Drill Tower when he saw people in need," Krekorian said.
"With the kind of selfless heroism that we so often see from our first responders, Jacob immediately sprang into action to come to their aid at great risk to himself, and that decision cost him his life.
"On behalf of the city of Los Angeles, we extend our deepest sympathies to Jacob's family and loved ones, to his recruit class, and to all of the men and women of the LAFD."
Scott said Fuerte "understood the importance of helping those in need."
LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley issued a statement saying, "I received devastating news this morning that one of our firefighters lost their life tragically. He had just started his firefighting career, which requires courage, bravery, and prioritizing others before oneself. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family during this most difficult time."
Fuerte joined the department on Feb. 12 and was in his 10th week of a 20-week training program, Scott said. He is survived by his father, two sisters and a brother.
Anyone with information regarding the fatality was urged to contact the CHP West Valley Office at 818-888-0980, or the Los Angeles Regional Traffic Management Center at 323-259-3410.