Gardena motorcycle officer dies after collision in Harbor City

(FOX 11/CNS) - A Gardena motorcycle officer died Thursday from injuries he suffered in a collision with another vehicle in Harbor City, police said.

Officer Toshio Hirai, 34, was critically injured about 7:50 a.m. Wednesday at Western Avenue and 238th Street as he was on his way to work, according to fire and police officials.

Hirai was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he died, according to Gardena police.

The Gardena Police Department posted on their Facebook Page:

"We are deeply heartbroken today as we announce the death of Gardena Police Officer Toshio Hirai. He was 34-years-old, a devoted husband and father of a 2-year-old son."

The driver of the other vehicle stopped at the scene and cooperated with investigators, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, which was investigating the collision.

Neither alcohol nor drugs were suspected as factors in the crash, police said.

Donations to assist the officer's family can be made by visiting this site.

Gardena police Lt. Steve Prendergast said it is the only legitimate online donation site for the fallen officer, his wife Kristen and their son.

Checks made payable to the Gardena Police Officers' Association (GPOA) can be mailed to or dropped off at: Gardena Police Department, 1718 W. 162nd St., Gardena, California, 90247.

All donations are tax deductible.