A suspected single car DUI crash in Manhattan Beach pinned the driver and his passenger in the wrecked vehicle, ultimately claiming the life of the passenger late Monday, January 25th. The deceased victim has been identified as Javier Rubio, 24, of Lawndale.
According to authorities, numerous witnesses reported that a 1999 Chevy Camaro struck a wall on Ardmore Avenue at 19th Street around 11 p.m. Monday night. Witnesses noted that two men appeared to be trapped in the vehicle and provided assistance until rescue personnel arrived. Rubio suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene. The driver, identified as Mark Rodriguez, 24, of Hawthorne, was taken to a local hospital for his injuries.
Authorities believe that Rodriguez was driving drunk and faces charges of driving under the influence. According to witnesses, Rodriguez was traveling at a high rate of speed before the crash.
