Leopold Trumpet dies in pedestrian accident on San Vicente Boulevard

Vehicle struck man in roadway on northbound La Cienega Boulevard

January 19, 2026 | Beverly Grove, CA

A 74-year-old man lost his life early Monday following a collision with a vehicle in this Los Angeles neighborhood, according to local authorities.

Leopold Trumpet, 74, died after a northbound vehicle struck him as a pedestrian at the intersection of La Cienega Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard in Beverly Grove.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office confirmed the victim's identity as Leopold Trumpet. Reports indicate the incident occurred when a northbound vehicle on La Cienega Boulevard struck him near the intersection with San Vicente Boulevard around 1:15 a.m. Emergency responders rushed Trumpet to a nearby hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.

The vehicle's driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. The Los Angeles Police Department has classified this as a fatal pedestrian accident and continues to examine the circumstances.

What Happened in the Crash?

Key details from the incident include:

• Date and Time: Jan. 19, shortly after 1 a.m.
• Location: Intersection of La Cienega Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard, Beverly Grove area.
• Victim: Leopold Trumpet, age 74, struck while in the street.
• Vehicle Involved: Northbound passenger vehicle, and driver stayed on scene.
• Outcome: Trumpet transported to hospital and pronounced dead from injuries.
• Agency: Los Angeles Police Department leading the investigation.

This tragic crash underscores the vulnerabilities pedestrians face in urban settings, particularly at night.

Why Do These Accidents Happen?

Pedestrian fatalities have surged in recent years, driven by factors such as increased vehicle sizes, inadequate infrastructure, and distracted driving. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association's 2024 preliminary report, 7,148 individuals were killed in pedestrian crashes nationwide.

Common contributing elements in such incidents often involve:

• Poor visibility due to lighting or weather.
• Lack of marked crosswalks or signals.
• Driver inattention or speeding.

To illustrate national trends, here's a summary of pedestrian safety data:

These figures, drawn from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and GHSA, highlight the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures.

Legal Insights

National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in pedestrian collisions to support affected families.

“In cases such as this, pedestrians generally have the right of way when crossing streets or intersections, whether in a crosswalk or not,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.

Bond further noted that elements like road conditions, signage, and lighting must be scrutinized to determine liability.

Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:

• Families may pursue wrongful death claims for losses including companionship, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
• It is typically the driver's responsibility to yield to pedestrians.
• Prompt evidence collection is critical, as delays can affect outcomes.
• Insurance firms may push for low settlements, but skilled representation ensures fair compensation.

“The family of a victim in a tragic accident like this may seek damages for pain and suffering, lost income, and more,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “An attorney can advocate to prevent undervaluation of the claim.”

Newsline, a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our stories undergo thorough fact-checking and verification processes. We invite readers to review our Corrections Policy for transparency, guaranteeing a 24-hour review of any submitted corrections.

(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)

Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.