One of three victims who died in a fiery chain-reaction crash on the 5 Freeway in Commerce was identified as the teen son of a homicide lieutenant with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, officials said Sunday.
Eighteen-year-old Brian Lewandowski was identified by LASD as the third victim in Saturday's crash suspected to be triggered by street racing.
Michelle Littlefield, a 19-year-old college student, and Scott Treadway, a 30-year UPS veteran, were also killed in the collision and were identified by family members.
Brian's parents, Jocelyn and Victor Lewandowski, a homicide lieutenant with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, described their son as "an incredible young man and every parent's dream for a son."
"We are absolutely devastated by our loss. Our hearts go out to the other victims and their families and our prayers are for the survivors' recovery. We are very thankful for the love and support of family and friends throughout this time," the family said in a news release.
The collision occurred just after midnight Saturday on the northbound 5 Freeway near the Washington Boulevard exit, according to the California Highway Patrol.
CHP officials said a Dodge Charger and a Dodge Challenger were racing on the southbound 5 Freeway, traveling up to 90 mph. The driver of the Challenger attempted to go around a slower-moving vehicle, lost control and struck a UPS semi-truck.
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The semi, driven by Treadway, then collided into the center median and became airborne, striking a gray Nissan, carrying Littlefield and Lewandowski, traveling northbound. The semi sheared the roof of the Nissan before landing on a red Ford Explorer that was traveling northbound and bursting into flames. Debris from the collision struck at least two other vehicles, officials said.
At least four people were critically injured and two people were treated for minor injuries.
Michelle's and Brian's friend, Tony Miramontes, was driving the Nissan. His family told NBC4 he was in a coma following the wreck. He is 21 years old, his family said.
One of the alleged street racers, identified as Dealio Lockhart, 35, of Whittier, was taken into custody and is facing vehicular manslaughter charges. A second driver fled the scene and is at large, according to the CHP.
The crash remains under investigation.
Littlefield and Lewandowski worked together at Six Flags Magic Mountain. The two, along with two other friends, went to Disneyland for the day and were killed in the crash on their way home, family said.
"The Six Flags Magic Mountain family was saddened to learn about two of their team members who were tragically killed in the I-5 freeway incident in Commerce, CA on February 27. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families, friends and colleagues during this difficult time," a spokesperson for Six Flags said in a statement.
