The Los Angeles Police Department, Valley Traffic Division Detectives, are investigating a fatal traffic collision which occurred on Thursday, January 19, 2012, at 0555 A.M. on Vanowen Street west of Fallbrook in Canoga Park.
Leonides Ricalde, resident of Newberry Park, was westbound on Vanowen Street west of Berquist Avenue when he fell asleep and collided with the curb, run of the road and collided with a tree. Ricalde continued westbound and collided with a parked vehicle. Maria Yuribelca, 49 years old, wife of Ricalde, also a resident of Newberry Park, was the front passenger in the vehicle. Yuribelca, who was not wearing her seatbelt suffered serious injuries and was transported to West Hills Hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department. Yuribelca later died in the hospital as a result of the injuries she suffered in the traffic collision.
As a public safety reminder, Valley Traffic Detectives recommend to always wear your seatbelt in the proper manner as seatbelts save lives. This include shoulder strap and lap belt.
Anyone who may have witnessed the traffic collision is being asked to contact
Detective II Michelle Russell, Valley Traffic Division Detectives, at (818) 644-8028. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637(C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.
Detective II Michelle Russell
Valley Traffic Division Detectives
(818) 644-8028
Or
D-2 James Deaton
Valley Traffic Division Detectives
(818) 644-8035
