by Los Angeles, California—Authorities have identified one of the victims killed in a devastating supermarket crash in Westwood as 42-year-old Deris Renoj, a mother of young children whose death has left family members and the community in shock.
Renoj was one of three people killed Thursday when a vehicle slammed into a 99 Ranch Market, sending chaos through the store and injuring several others. Officials say the crash appears to have been unintentional, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Victims Inside Store’s Bakery Area
According to police and fire officials, the crash occurred when an elderly driver lost control of her vehicle, first striking a cyclist outside the store before crashing through the building.
Renoj and two other men — a 55-year-old and a 30-year-old, whose names have not yet been released — were inside the store’s bakery section at the time of the impact. All three victims were pronounced dead as a result of their injuries.
“The force of the collision was catastrophic for anyone inside that area of the store,” officials said.
Authorities confirmed that two of the three people killed were employees of the grocery store.
Scene Marked by Grief and Chaos
Loved ones rushed to the scene as news spread, with witnesses describing heart-wrenching cries and emotional scenes outside the market.
“You could hear people wailing across the street,” one bystander said. “It was absolute devastation.”
Emergency responders treated six additional people who were injured in the crash. Their conditions have not been publicly detailed, but officials said all were transported for medical care.
Driver Described as Elderly Woman
Investigators said the driver was an elderly woman, believed to be in her early 90s, who was operating a 2023 Mercedes-Benz with California plates. Her identity has not yet been released.
The driver was medically evaluated at the scene, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility that a medical emergency may have contributed to the crash.
“This does not seem to be of any ill intent,” said Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Erik Scott. “It does not appear intentional and is being investigated as an accidental traffic collision.”
Investigation Continues
The Los Angeles Police Department said detectives are conducting a thorough investigation to determine exactly what led up to the crash, including the moments before the vehicle struck the cyclist and entered the store.
“We are reviewing all evidence to understand the surrounding circumstances,” LAPD officials said.
At this time, no criminal charges have been announced, and investigators emphasized that conclusions will be based on medical findings, vehicle data, and witness statements.
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Remembering a Mother Lost
Friends and family described Deris Renoj as a devoted mother, and her death has drawn an outpouring of grief from those who knew her. Community members say her loss is especially painful given the randomness of the incident.
“She was just in the wrong place at the wrong time,” one person familiar with the family said.
As authorities work to piece together what happened, families of the victims are left mourning lives cut short during what should have been an ordinary day.
The names of the remaining victims are expected to be released once next of kin are notified.
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