A motorcyclist was killed and two others were injured in a four vehicle chain-reaction crash on Interstate 405 through the Sepulveda Pass on the evening of Tuesday, January 13th. The deceased motorcyclist has been identified as Paul Goldhammer, 39, of Van Nuys. The crash occurred around 8:50 p.m. near Mulholland Drive and closed the 405 in both directions for hours.
According to authorities, the chain-reaction crash began on the northbound lanes of the 405 when the driver of a Toyota Tundra lost control of the vehicle. The Tundra struck another car, flinging debris onto the southbound lanes. A Volkswagen traveling south attempted to avoid the debris, but struck the motorcycle operated by Goldhammer, throwing him from the motorcycle. Goldhammer was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other victims were transported to a local hospital and were listed in fair condition. The 405 South was closed until about 12:30 a.m. and the 405 North was closed until about 1:45 a.m. Emergency vehicles had difficulty reaching the scene of the crash due to motorists using the shoulder and driving the wrong-way on the Skirball Center Drive on-ramp to bypass the accident.
