LOS ANGELES — A deadly crash involving a big rig and a sedan brought tragedy and major traffic delays to the Golden State (5) Freeway in the Arleta area early Sunday morning. According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision was reported at 3:43 a.m. on the northbound side of the freeway, just south of the Osborne Street offramp and near the busy Hollywood (170) Freeway interchange. The crash left one person dead, and the freeway closed for hours as crews worked to investigate and clear the scene.
Authorities confirmed that a man was pronounced dead at the scene. At first, investigators were unsure whether the victim had been in the sedan or the big rig, as the crash left both vehicles severely damaged. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified the deceased driver as 25-year-old Donovan Chapman. His city of residence was not immediately released, and officials have not yet shared information about whether any other people were injured in the collision.
The crash triggered a SigAlert, leading to the shutdown of all northbound lanes of the 5 Freeway at the split with the 170. Drivers heading through the interchange faced long delays and were forced to take alternate routes as police, fire crews, and tow operators worked at the scene. The closure added to frustration for early-morning commuters and truck drivers but was necessary to allow investigators space to document the scene safely and determine what may have caused the fatal collision.
For many who travel the 5 daily, the crash served as a jarring reminder of how quickly tragedy can unfold on one of Los Angeles’ busiest freeways. The early timing of the crash meant fewer vehicles were on the road, which may have prevented an even larger catastrophe. Still, the fatal result has left a family grieving and a community searching for answers. The victim, just 25 years old, had an entire future ahead of him, making news of his death especially heartbreaking.
The California Highway Patrol has not released details about what might have led to the crash. Factors such as driver fatigue, speed, or impaired driving are often examined in overnight freeway collisions, but investigators say it is still too soon to determine the cause. Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or noticed unusual driving behavior before the collision to come forward with information.
As cleanup crews worked through the morning and lanes gradually reopened, the scene left a lasting impression on those who passed by—twisted metal, flashing lights, and the sobering reality of a young life lost. For now, loved ones of Donovan Chapman are left grieving while authorities continue searching for answers surrounding the fatal crash that shut down a major Los Angeles freeway and claimed a young man’s life far too soon.
