Eastbound Century (105) Freeway near the Crenshaw Boulevard on-ramp: a 28-year-old motorcyclist died in a collision with a vehicle before dawn
HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA (October 1, 2026): Henry Fawell, 28, was killed early Thursday, October 1, when his motorcycle and a vehicle collided on the eastbound Century (105) Freeway near the Crenshaw Boulevard on-ramp in Hawthorne, according to the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, as reported by City News Service. The crash happened at about 2:56 a.m.
A CHP spokesperson said Fawell was pronounced dead at the scene. The CHP issued a SigAlert and closed all eastbound lanes near the Crenshaw Boulevard on-ramp while officers investigated, City News Service reported. The Medical Examiner identified Fawell on Saturday, October 3.
The CHP has not released how the motorcycle and the vehicle came together, what kind of vehicle was involved or whether its driver stayed at the scene, and no arrest has been announced. Anyone who was on the eastbound 105 near Crenshaw Boulevard before 3 a.m. Thursday, or who has dashcam video, can contact the California Highway Patrol.
Liability for the Hawthorne 105 Freeway Crash
Under California Civil Code § 1714, every driver must use ordinary care toward others on the road, including motorcyclists. Vehicle Code § 21658 requires drivers to stay within a lane and change lanes only when it is safe, and Vehicle Code § 21804 requires drivers entering a freeway from an on-ramp to yield to traffic already on it. Until the CHP releases its findings, the questions typically include:
- Location near an on-ramp: The crash happened near the Crenshaw Boulevard on-ramp. Investigators typically examine whether any vehicle was entering or leaving the freeway and whether drivers yielded as required.
- Lane changes: Investigators will reconstruct where each vehicle was in the eastbound lanes and whether either changed lanes just before the impact.
- Visibility before dawn: At 3 a.m., lighting and the visibility of the motorcycle’s lights are usually reviewed.
- Shared fault: Under California’s comparative fault rules, a family can still recover damages even if a rider is found partly responsible, reduced by that share.
Fawell’s family may bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 against any driver found responsible. If that driver was uninsured or cannot be identified, uninsured motorist coverage on a household policy may apply.
Steps to Take After a Hawthorne Freeway Motorcycle Crash
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are far more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash for each mile traveled. Evidence on a freeway is cleared quickly, so early action matters.
- Request the CHP report: Ask the CHP for the case number and the Traffic Collision Report, including diagrams and witness statements.
- Keep the motorcycle and gear: The motorcycle, helmet and riding gear can show the angle and force of the impact. Do not repair or discard them.
- Look for video: Dashcam footage and any Caltrans cameras on the 105 can be decisive. Request it in writing as soon as possible.
- Check insurance: Identify the other driver’s policy and any uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If freeway design or maintenance by Caltrans is examined, a government claim is generally due within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Investigating the Hawthorne 105 Freeway Crash
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Henry Fawell. Important questions remain: How did the motorcycle and the vehicle collide near the Crenshaw Boulevard on-ramp? And what will the CHP’s reconstruction show about each vehicle’s lane position and speed?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck, motorcycle or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on October 5, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on October 1, 2026.
