A 22-year-old youth leader from a Van Nuys church died Friday night from injuries sustained in an apparent road racing collision between a Rolls-Royce and a Mercedes-Benz on Sherman Way.
Rangel Vega, 22, was driving a Honda Civic with his childhood friend Alejandro Luquin, 22, after attending young adult services at Iglesia en El Camino, 14800 Sherman Way. I was driving. Authorities say the two were on their way to dinner around 9:50 p.m. when they were struck by a Mercedes-Benz GT63 that was traveling at high speeds westbound on Sherman Way alongside a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. .
Los Angeles police said Vega was making a left turn into a Sherman Circle parking lot when the driver of a Mercedes-Benz struck the right side of his vehicle. Police said the driver of the Rolls swerved to the left into oncoming traffic to avoid colliding with the Civic, collided with a Chevrolet Traverse, and then fled on foot.
Vega, Lukin and the driver of the Mercedes were taken to hospital. Vega died the next day, Saturday night, according to a GoFundMe page set up by family friend Jennifer Lopez.
“He is now rejoicing and worshiping the Lord as he loved to do,” Lopez wrote. “He will forever be in our hearts and part of our service at La Iglesia en El Camino.”
The LA Coroner’s Office has not yet confirmed Vega’s death.
Lukin is recovering from his injuries and may need additional surgery, according to the fundraising page. The driver of the Mercedes was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving, police said.
Authorities are still searching for the driver of the Rolls-Royce and are asking anyone with information to call (818) 644-8114 or (818) 644-8255. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
