Fatal crash reported at intersection of Downey Avenue and South Street, authorities say
LONG BEACH, CA, (July 03, 2025) - A Thursday night crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV in Long Beach claimed the life of 20-year-old Jonathon Porras and left another person injured, authorities said.
Jonathon Porras, 20, tragically lost his life in a two-vehicle collision Thursday night in Long Beach, according to a news release.
The collision occurred around 9:20 p.m. near the intersection of South Street and Downey Avenue. According to the Long Beach Police Department, a Honda CBR motorcycle was heading west on South Street when it was struck by a Toyota 4Runner making a left turn onto northbound Downey Avenue.
Porras, who was operating the motorcycle, died at the scene. A female passenger riding with him was transported to the hospital with injuries.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact Long Beach police.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
One of the leading causes of fatal motorcycle accidents is when a vehicle makes a left turn into the path of an oncoming motorcycle—a scenario often linked to distracted driving, including cellphone use. In 2023 alone, 6,335 motorcyclists lost their lives in such crashes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
“Motorcycle riders are arguably the most vulnerable motorists on the roadways, given the fact that there are no airbags or sturdy windows to protect them from an impact,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
Bond emphasized that determining the exact cause of the crash often requires a comprehensive investigation. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened,” she explained. “All of these resources are critical for helping clients receive fair monetary compensation for damages or the loss of a loved one.”
In fatal motorcycle collisions like the one that claimed the life of Jonathon Porras, Bond noted that an independent investigation by an experienced attorney is essential to protecting the rights of the victim’s family.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family of Jonathon Porras may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Surviving family members may seek compensation for emotional distress, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from this tragic accident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“A wrongful death attorney can stay informed on the official investigation and work to ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are fully protected,” Bond added.
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, is skilled in handling motorcycle accident cases. Contact her for a free consultation if you or a loved one needs legal guidance.
(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).