Off-duty LA deputy killed in crash on 101 Freeway in Studio City

2 killed in multi-vehicle crash on 101 Freeway

Two people were killed in an overnight crash on the 101 Freeway in Studio City.

LOS ANGELES - Two people were killed in an overnight crash on the 101 Freeway in Studio City, officials said. 

What we know:

Officers with the California Highway Patrol responded to a multi-vehicle crash on the westbound 101 Freeway near the Tujunga Avenue exit around 2:30 a.m. The site of the crash is also at the junction of the 170 and 134 freeways. 

According to CHP, a black Kia compact SUV was stopped on the freeway with its two occupants outside, standing near the vehicle. 

A box truck collided with the Kia and its occupants. Both were killed at the scene. One of the victims was identified as LA County Deputy Marcos Pena Jr. The woman who was killed has not been identified. 

It's unclear why the SUV was stopped and why the victims were standing outside. 

The collision impacted traffic in the area. A SigAlert was issued for the closure of all lanes of the northbound 170 Freeway and the westbound 101 Freeway at the Tujunga exit. 

Traffic from the 101 Freeway was diverted to Magnolia Boulevard and Moorpark Street.

Deputy Marcos Pena Jr.

Remembering Deputy Pena Jr. 

31-year-old Pena Jr. was off-duty at the time of the crash. 

LA County Sheriff Robert Luna issued a statement saying, "We are heartbroken by the tragic and untimely loss of Deputy Pena Jr., who was taken from us far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all those who had the honor of serving alongside him."

Deputy Pena joined the department on July 14, 2022, and was assigned to Men’s Central Jail.

He is survived by his mother, Michelle Rubio and his stepfather, Deputy Albert Rubio, who is assigned to Court Services, and his four stepsiblings, Diserre Rubio, Ashley Rubio, Albert Rubio, and Deja Rubio.

What we don't know:

The cause of the crash is unknown.