Woman killed in multi-car crash in Tarzana is identified

Los Angeles County coroner’s officials released the identity Thursday of a woman killed in a multi-car crash in Tarzana.

The fatal crash occurred Monday about 11:05 p.m. at the intersection of Ventura Boulevard and Vanalden Avenue.

Coroner’s officials identified the victim as Cynthia Grace, 64, of Los Angeles.

Grace was preparing to enter the onramp of the south 101 Freeway when the driver of a 1999 Ford Taurus heading east on Ventura Boulevard rear-ended her 2003 Saturn Ion, said Det. Bill Bustos of the LAPD’s West Valley station.

Grace was killed when her Saturn was crushed into four other vehicles in front of her. A fifth car next to her was sideswiped.

In total, seven vehicles were involved in the incident, Bustos said.

“But the vehicle that received most of the damage was the Saturn,� Bustos said. “This was a horrible collision.�

Witnesses told police the man thought to have caused the accident allegedly walked over to the nearby Chevron gas station and purchased a six-pack of beer.

The man was drinking beer when the officers found him, according to Bustos.

It was unclear if the man was already under the influence of drugs or alcohol before the crash, authorities said.

Bustos said the man, who was not identified, was taken to a hospital for treatment. His condition was unknown as of Thursday afternoon.

The driver has not been arrested because the crash is still under investigation, Bustos said.

Bustos said detectives have to collect evidence, take statements from witnesses and reconstruct the accident, all of which will take time.

“It’s very detailed,� he said. “There was a tremendous impact and speed involved here and we’re trying to make sure the evidence is collected properly.�

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