Deris Renoj dies in pedestrian accident on Westwood Boulevard

Vehicle struck bicyclist before driver crashed into market and hit Renoj inside store

February 05, 2026 | Lassen, CA

A 42-year-old woman lost her life in a devastating incident when a vehicle plowed into a grocery store in Westwood, California. 

Authorities report that Deris Renoj was inside the 99 Ranch Market in the 1300 block of Westwood Boulevard when the crash occurred.

Deris Renoj, 42, died after a vehicle struck a bicyclist and crashed into a market in the 1300 block of Westwood Boulevard.

What Happened in the Crash?

The sequence of the crash began when a 92-year-old driver struck a bicyclist before veering off and crashing directly into the market. Renoj was fatally injured and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, was involved in this tragic chain of accidents.

• Date of Incident: Feb. 5
• Location: 1300 block of Westwood Boulevard, Westwood, CA
• Victim: Deris Renoj, 42 years old
• Vehicle Involved: Unidentified car driven by a 92-year-old
• Initial Hit: Struck a bicyclist before the store collision
• Investigating Agency: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)

Local residents have long viewed this stretch of road as hazardous, contributing to ongoing safety concerns in the area.

Why Do These Accidents Happen?

Traffic incidents like this highlight persistent risks on California roads, where pedestrian and cyclist safety remains a critical issue. Factors such as road conditions, visibility, and driver error often play roles in such crashes.

The Los Angeles Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), California consistently leads the nation in pedestrian fatalities.

These figures underscore the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures, including better lighting and traffic controls.

Legal Insights

In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes into pedestrian areas, a detailed analysis can reveal contributing factors.

“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”

Key takeaways from such investigations include:

• Thorough examination of environmental factors like weather and road layout.
• Role of vehicle speed and driver attentiveness in preventing escalation.
• Importance of experienced reconstruction to support fair outcomes for affected families.

“Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family through this difficult time while protecting their rights,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”

The family of Deris Renoj may pursue a wrongful death claim, potentially covering aspects like loss of companionship, funeral expenses, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.

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