Juan Villegas Martinez Obituary, Death – Authorities in Los Angeles County have identified the man who lost his life in a hit-and-run incident that took place Sunday night in Pacoima. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the victim was 53-year-old Juan Villegas Martinez, a resident of Pacoima.
According to officials, the tragic event occurred around 10 p.m. in the 13200 block of Van Nuys Boulevard, near the intersection with Ralston Avenue. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) both responded to the scene after receiving reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle.
Preliminary details from investigators indicate that Martinez was attempting to cross the intersection diagonally when he was hit by a white Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck traveling southbound on Van Nuys Boulevard. After the collision, the driver of the pickup reportedly continued driving without stopping.
Emergency crews arrived within minutes and found Martinez unresponsive. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities secured the area and temporarily closed portions of Van Nuys Boulevard to allow investigators to examine the scene and collect evidence.
Witnesses at the location provided officers with information about the vehicle involved. According to their accounts, the white pickup was last seen driving northbound on Sutter Avenue after leaving the scene. The LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division is now leading the investigation and has released a description of the suspect’s vehicle to the public in hopes of gathering more leads.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen the crash, or who might have surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses, to contact investigators. “We are asking for the public’s help in identifying the driver responsible for this tragic event,” said Investigator James Takishita with the Valley Traffic Division. He can be reached directly at 818-644-8116. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
While the investigation is ongoing, police are reviewing nearby traffic cameras and security systems to track the vehicle’s route after the incident. Detectives are also examining debris left at the scene, which may help confirm the exact make and model of the pickup.
Neighbors in the Pacoima community expressed sadness over the loss, describing the intersection as busy and sometimes hazardous for pedestrians, especially at night. Several residents shared concerns about vehicle speeds and lighting conditions along that stretch of Van Nuys Boulevard.
One local shop owner, who declined to give his name, said, “People cross here all the time because it’s close to stores and bus stops. It’s really heartbreaking to hear that someone from our own community lost their life like this.”
City officials have not yet commented on whether additional safety measures might be introduced at the intersection, but residents say they hope this tragedy encourages renewed focus on pedestrian safety in the area.
The LAPD continues to stress the importance of drivers remaining alert and stopping immediately after any collision involving a pedestrian or another vehicle. “Leaving the scene not only prevents life-saving help from arriving quickly but also creates further hardship for families and investigators,” an LAPD spokesperson said in a statement.
Meanwhile, friends and family of Juan Villegas Martinez are mourning his passing. Those who knew him described him as a kind, hardworking man who often helped neighbors and friends in the community.
As of Wednesday, no arrests have been made, and police have not released any additional details about the suspect. Investigators remain hopeful that tips from the public will lead them to the driver responsible.
Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to authorities. Even the smallest detail, they said, could help bring clarity to what happened and provide Martinez’s loved ones with some measure of peace during this difficult time.
