The incident occurred on the San Gabriel River Freeway near the Telegraph Road off-ramp
SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA, (June 13, 2025) - The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victim of a fatal pedestrian crash on the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway in Santa Fe Springs as 30-year-old Micah Clantz.
Micah Clantz, 30, tragically lost his life Friday night after being struck by a vehicle on the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway in Santa Fe Springs, according to officials.
Clantz was tragically pronounced dead at the scene Friday night.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), officers responded around 8:56 p.m. to reports of a crash on the southbound 605 Freeway near the Telegraph Road off-ramp. Upon arrival, they found a white Honda sedan near the center divider and Clantz’s body in the HOV lane. The name of the driver has not been released, and it is unclear at this time whether any charges will be filed.
The incident remains under active investigation.
Crashes involving pedestrians are often caused by distracted or speeding drivers who attempt to pass stopped vehicles, not realizing that those cars may be yielding to people crossing the road.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's "Traffic Safety Facts" report, approximately 6,632 pedestrians—representing 86% of all pedestrian fatalities—were killed in single-vehicle crashes in 2022. Additionally, nearly 1 in 4 of those fatalities (24%) involved hit-and-run drivers.
“In most cases, pedestrians have the right of way when crossing a street or intersection, whether or not they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, a seasoned pedestrian accident attorney.
Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, emphasized the importance of conducting an independent investigation in incidents like this to protect the legal rights of the victim’s family.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
“It is nearly always the responsibility of a driver to yield to pedestrians,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. The family of Micah Clantz may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim.
“Loved ones of wrongful death victims can seek compensation for lost income and companionship, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and funeral costs after a devastating accident,” Bond stated.
“Insurance companies often push for fast settlements that don’t reflect the full value of a claim,” she added. “An experienced attorney will firmly advocate on the family’s behalf to ensure they receive fair and respectful compensation.”
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(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).