Vehicle struck another in early morning crash on eastbound Santa Monica (10) Freeway
February 07, 2026 | Sawtelle, CA
A tragic incident unfolded early on Feb. 7 in the Sawtelle neighborhood of West Los Angeles, where a 28-year-old man lost his life in a collision on the Santa Monica Freeway.
The California Highway Patrol responded to the scene shortly after 1 a.m. on the eastbound lanes at Bundy Drive.
Alexander St. John, 28, died at the scene in a multi-vehicle crash on the eastbound Santa Monica (10) Freeway at Bundy Drive in the Sawtelle area of West Los Angeles.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision involved multiple vehicles and resulted in the death of Alexander St. John, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office. Key details include:
- Location: Eastbound Santa Monica (10) Freeway at Bundy Drive, Sawtelle, CA
- Time: Shortly after 1 a.m. on Feb. 7
- Victim: Alexander St. John, 28 years old
- Injuries: Fatal for St. John, no immediate reports of other injuries
- Vehicles Involved: More than one, per CHP preliminary findings
- Investigation Status: Ongoing by authorities to determine circumstances and liability
Authorities continue to investigate the factors leading to this fatal wreck, emphasizing the need for thorough analysis in such cases.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Roadway collisions remain a leading cause of death across the United States, often stemming from preventable behaviors. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, unsafe driving practices contribute significantly to these tragedies.
Factor |
Description |
Contribution to Fatal Crashes (NHTSA Data, Q1 2025) |
|---|
Speeding |
Exceeding posted limits or driving too fast for conditions |
29% of incidents |
Driving Under the Influence |
Alcohol or drug impairment affecting judgment |
25% of cases |
Distracted Driving |
Use of phones, texting, or other diversions |
20% of fatalities |
Other (e.g., Fatigue, Weather) |
Additional variables like drowsiness or poor visibility |
26% combined |
This table highlights data from the NHTSA, underscoring the role of human error in motor vehicle accidents. For more statistics, visit the NHTSA website.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, independent reviews play a crucial role in uncovering the full picture beyond initial police reports. National legal analyst Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and contributor to Newsline, stresses the importance of prompt action.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond.
Key takeaways from such investigations include:
- Timely Evidence Gathering: Delays can lead to lost details, and families should act quickly to preserve information.
- Witness and Video Analysis: Re-examining sources often reveals overlooked factors.
- Accountability for Negligence: Identifying responsible parties ensures justice and potential compensation.
For wrongful death scenarios following catastrophic accidents, family members may pursue claims for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal and Newsline contributor, notes:
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).