A deadly traffic collision on the Gardena (91) Freeway in Carson claimed the life of a 38-year-old man early Monday morning, according to county authorities. The crash, which involved a minivan and a passenger car, happened just after midnight and caused major lane closures during the early commute hours.
The California Highway Patrol said the collision occurred at approximately 12:38 a.m. on the westbound Gardena Freeway, just west of Central Avenue. Investigators said the crash involved a minivan and another vehicle under circumstances that are still being reviewed. Both vehicles came to rest blocking the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane following the impact.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified the victim as Matthew Hellums, 38. CHP officers confirmed that Hellums was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash. Officials did not immediately release information about which vehicle Hellums was in at the time of the collision.
A news videographer who arrived shortly after the crash reported seeing at least one other person injured at the scene. That individual was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The extent of the injuries and the current condition of the hospitalized person have not been made public.
Due to the severity of the crash and the location of the wreckage, the CHP issued a SigAlert, shutting down multiple lanes on the westbound side of the freeway. The HOV lane, along with lanes 1, 2, and 3, were closed for several hours while emergency crews worked to clear the scene and investigators documented evidence. Traffic was heavily impacted until the lanes were reopened at approximately 4:18 a.m.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. CHP officers are examining factors such as speed, roadway conditions, and driver actions leading up to the crash. At this time, authorities have not said whether drugs or alcohol played a role. No arrests have been announced, and officials emphasized that all findings are preliminary.
Fatal freeway crashes often serve as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can be lost, especially during late-night and early-morning hours when visibility and driver fatigue can be factors. The CHP urges motorists to drive attentively, obey traffic laws, and remain alert at all times. As investigators continue their work, officials extended condolences to the family and loved ones of Matthew Hellums during this difficult time.
