Malibu News
PCH Multi-Car Crash Kills Teen, Injures Two
By Damian Kelly
Nov 1, 2012 - 11:51:16 AM

MALIBU—A 15-year-old teenager is dead and two people were injured after being involved in a head-on, three-car crash on Pacific Coast Highway Saturday, October 27.  PCH was closed in both directions for nearly eight hours as a result of the crash.

One of the vehicles involved in the crash.

Multiple reports indicate the victim of the crash that was reported at 8:10 a.m. is Roman Jimenez of Los Angeles.  He was a passenger in an eastbound red Ford Explorer with 19-year-old Donte Sheffield that apparently crossed into westbound lanes.  A head-on or broadside collision resulted with the Explorer hitting a third vehicle.  Police believe the crash was caused when the Explorer blew a tire.

After being treated at a local hospital for minor injuries, Sheffield was detained by police on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.  He was later released.  Investigators are currently awaiting the results of Sheffield’s blood alcohol test.

During the closure of PCH at around 12 p.m., the highway was closed to westbound through traffic at Topanga Canyon Boulevard, but westbound local traffic was allowed as far west as Las Flores Canyon Road.  Traffic reportedly was diverted onto Rambla Vista, a narrow street that is meant for one-way traffic.  PCH was not reopened until 3:45 p.m.

The deadly crash resulted in the delay of the Malibu Invitational, a swimming and diving event.  The event did not begin until 11 a.m.  Pepperdine University’s Department of Athletics announced the delay on their Twitter page.