Mark Cassidy Obituary, Death; – Authorities have identified the individual who lost his life in a crash on Friday morning on the northbound San Diego (405) Freeway in Long Beach as 69-year-old Mark Cassidy.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the tragic collision took place near the transition to the Long Beach (710) Freeway at approximately 7:20 a.m.
Incident Details: CHP Officer Erik Larsen reported that two vehicles were involved in the accident, which occurred in the northbound lanes of the 405 Freeway. Paramedics from the Long Beach Fire Department arrived within minutes and administered CPR to Cassidy; however, despite their efforts, he was declared dead at the scene at 7:51 a.m. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner subsequently confirmed Cassidy’s identity.
A SigAlert was issued shortly after the incident, resulting in the closure of the HOV lane and lanes 1 and 2 while investigators documented the scene. This alert remained in effect for nearly four hours before being lifted at around 11:10 a.m., allowing traffic to return to normal flow.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol is spearheading the investigation into the cause of the collision. Authorities have not disclosed details regarding the occupants of the second vehicle or whether factors such as impairment, distraction, or unsafe lane changes contributed to the incident. Investigators will examine evidence including skid marks, witness statements, and any available dashcam or freeway surveillance footage to ascertain the sequence of events.
In freeway collisions involving multiple vehicles, investigators frequently assess whether one driver failed to maintain a safe following distance or executed an unsafe maneuver in violation of the California Vehicle Code. The California Vehicle Code mandates that motorists operate at a speed that is reasonable and prudent, taking into account traffic and weather conditions.
Legal Considerations: Crashes on high-speed interstates like the 405 often present intricate liability issues, especially when multiple vehicles and heavy traffic are involved. Under California civil law, a driver who neglects to maintain proper control or vigilance may be held financially accountable for the resulting consequences.
