California Highway Patrol officer dies after suffering medical emergency before head-on crash

CHP officer dies after crashing into tree

CHP Officer Miguel Cano died after his patrol car crashed into a tree in Culver City. The department believes Cano may have suffered a 'medical emergency.'

CULVER CITY, Calif. - An officer with the California Highway Patrol died after a department patrol vehicle slammed head on into a tree in Culver City overnight, authorities said. 

The officer was identified as 34-year-old Miguel Cano. He was assigned to CHP's West Los Angeles office.

What led to deadly crash 

What we know:

Officials said the solo-vehicle crash happened just after 12:30 a.m. Wednesday at Bristol Parkway near Green Valley Circle.

Preliminary reports indicate two CHP officers were transporting a DUI suspect, who was in possession of drugs, when the cruiser crashed into a tree.

When first responders arrived at the scene, they began life-saving measures, including administering Narcan, because they felt one of the officers may have been exposed to fentanyl. CHP later said they do not believe the officers were exposed to drugs. 

‘We believe that he had some sort of medical emergency’

According to CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee, Cano told his partner he wasn't feeling well and his partner acknowledged that he didn't look well. Shortly after that, Cano lost consciousness and the vehicle veered of the road and crashed into the tree, Duryee explained. 

Investigators don't believe the crash was serious enough to kill Cano; neither his partner nor the person being transported were seriously injured. 

By 9:10 a.m., FOX 11's Gigi Graciette confirmed Cano had passed away.

CHP Officer Miguel Cano died after suffering a medical emergency on July 2, 2025. (California Highway Patrol )

Around 9:30 a.m., CHP officers began to gather at the scene to mourn their fallen colleague. 

Officers also gathered outside the hospital and participated in a procession that carried Cano's body from the hospital to the coroner's office. 

What they're saying:

"With broken hearts, we share the loss of our CHP family member, Officer Miguel Cano, ID 23555. He passed in the line of duty on July 2, 2025. Miguel served with pride, honor, and dedication. We grieve with his loved ones and will never forget his sacrifice," CHP said in a statement.  

"Just last week he was awarded the Mother's Against Drunk Driver's Award. He is out there doing what we ask these officers to do, they put their lives at risk every day just going out there on the job," Duryee said.