LONG BEACH, Calif. – Police are investigating a fatal collision that claimed the life of 36-year-old Shalanda Young early Tuesday morning in North Long Beach. The deadly incident occurred around 4 a.m. at the intersection of Cherry Avenue and Curry Street, where Young was struck by a vehicle under tragic circumstances.
According to the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD), the crash happened when a 2015 Honda Civic traveling southbound on Cherry Avenue attempted to swerve to avoid a man standing in the roadway. In doing so, the driver struck Young, who was also in the roadway at the time. Emergency personnel, including Long Beach Fire Department crews, arrived within minutes and tried to save her life. Despite their efforts, Young was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the driver as a 30-year-old man from Norwalk. Police said he remained at the scene and fully cooperated with investigators. Early findings suggest that speed, impairment, or distraction did not play a role in the collision. Detectives are now working to determine exactly why both pedestrians were in the roadway during the early morning hours.
Detective Joseph Johnson of LBPD’s Collision Investigation Detail is leading the case and has asked witnesses to come forward. Investigators say nearby surveillance footage or firsthand accounts could help provide critical details about the moments before the crash. Anyone with information is urged to contact LBPD at 562-570-7355.
This tragedy marks the 43rd traffic-related fatality in Long Beach so far in 2025. By comparison, police records show 40 traffic deaths were recorded citywide in all of 2024. The rising toll has raised concerns about pedestrian safety on busy corridors such as Cherry Avenue. Officials continue to stress caution for both drivers and pedestrians, particularly in low-visibility hours when accidents are more likely to occur.
Neighbors say Young’s death is especially painful given that she lived just blocks away from where the crash occurred. While further details about her life have not yet been released, her sudden passing has left the community in mourning. For many, the crash is another sobering reminder of the dangers pedestrians face on urban roads and the importance of ongoing safety efforts in Long Beach.