San Diego, CA (May 16, 2025) – Leonard Montanez, 47, was killed in a multi-vehicle crash on the southbound San Diego (405) Freeway near Gardena, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office. Montanez died from multiple blunt force injuries during the crash, which occurred Friday night.
The incident took place around 10:45 p.m. at the Vermont Avenue exit, where California Highway Patrol officers found Montanez lying in the slow lane. An overturned vehicle and camper from one of the involved vehicles were found in another lane.
Montanez was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics from the L.A. County Fire Department.
In response to the crash, the CHP issued a Sigalert, closing the Vermont and Normandie Avenue exits and three additional lanes of the southbound 405 Freeway. Investigations into the circumstances of the collision are ongoing.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Leonard Montanez during this difficult time.
