LACOFD Capt. Michael Shepard Killed in Rear-End Crash on 14 Freeway in Santa Clarita

Off-Duty Los Angeles County Fire Captain Dies after Crashing into Caltrans Truck on 14 Freeway

 
SANTA CLARITA, CA (January 23, 2019) – An off-duty Los Angeles County Fire Department Captain was killed following a rear-end crash Wednesday morning in Santa Clarita.
 
The fatal crash happened around 11:18 a.m. on 14 Freeway at Sand Canyon Road.
 
According to reports, Capt. Michael Shepard of Agua Dulce was driving a Jeep Wrangler when for unknown reasons, he rear-ended a Caltrans truck that was part of a street-sweeping detail on the freeway and was traveling at 3 to 5 mph.
 
The Caltrans worker was driving a GMC 3500 pickup truck fitted with a dump truck bed northbound within the center median at the time of the crash.
 
A fellow L.A. County firefighters responded to the crash and found Shepard trapped in his vehicle, pulseless and not breathing. He was pronounced dead at the scene after extensive extrication.
 
Shepard worked at Fire Station 132, just over 8 miles North of the crash scene along Sand Canyon Road.
 
A flag outside the station was lowered to half-staff Wednesday night in Shepard’s honor.
 
The driver of the Caltrans truck was taken to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital with moderate injuries.
 
Officials issued a SigAlert for the carpool and left-hand lanes of the northbound freeway as the investigation continued Wednesday afternoon.
 
The closure remain in effect through about 7:30 p.m., according to the CHP.
 
The crash is being investigated by the CHP’s Newhall-area office.

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During this time of tragedy, we would like to extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of Michael Shepard. We hope they find strength and comfort as they grieve over their loss.

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We understand that the aftermath of losing a loved one can be extremely confusing and traumatizing. However, our office has devoted many hours to provide the best representation to our clients, making sure that bereaved families will get what they rightfully deserve. If you have lost a loved one in an accident caused by negligence of another party, do not hesitate to contact The Sweet Law Group today. We offer consultations at no charge and we have several locations throughout Northern and Southern California. Call our hotline at (800) 203-3061 for more details.