Hollywood Boulevard at Cherokee Avenue: a westbound driver struck a 33-year-old man inside a marked crosswalk, and police arrested her on suspicion of DUI
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (October 4, 2026): Samuel Brown, 33, was killed late Sunday, October 4, when a westbound driver struck him in a marked crosswalk at Hollywood Boulevard and Cherokee Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, as reported by the Los Angeles Daily News and City News Service. The crash happened at about 10:56 p.m. in the Walk of Fame tourist district.
An LAPD officer told the Daily News that the driver was heading west on Hollywood Boulevard when the vehicle hit Brown as he crossed. City News Service reported that video from the scene showed paramedics performing CPR, but Brown died there. Early reports listed his age as 32; the Medical Examiner later identified him as 33. His city of residence has not been released.
Police arrested the driver, a 32-year-old woman, on suspicion of driving under the influence, the Daily News reported. She is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. City News Service reported that a heavily damaged white vehicle remained at the scene after the crash.
The LAPD has not released further details about the vehicle’s speed or the events just before the impact, and the investigation continues. Anyone who saw the crash or has video from Hollywood Boulevard near Cherokee Avenue can contact the Los Angeles Police Department.
Liability for the Hollywood Crosswalk Crash
California Vehicle Code § 23153 makes it a crime to drive under the influence and cause injury or death to another person. Vehicle Code § 21950 requires drivers to yield to pedestrians crossing within a marked crosswalk, and Civil Code § 1714 makes every driver responsible for harm caused by a lack of ordinary care. When impairment is proven, Civil Code § 3294 can also allow punitive damages for conscious disregard of others’ safety. Based on what police have released, the questions include:
- Right of way in the crosswalk: Police said Brown was in a marked crosswalk. Under California law, drivers approaching a marked crossing must yield and slow down to protect people on foot.
- Suspected impairment: The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Blood or breath test results will matter in both the criminal case and any civil claim.
- Speed on Hollywood Boulevard: Heavy damage to the white vehicle may help investigators estimate its speed. Event data from the vehicle can add detail.
- Video in a busy district: Businesses and cameras near the Walk of Fame may have recorded the crossing, which can show the signal phase and the driver’s path.
Brown’s surviving family may bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. That claim is separate from the criminal case and moves on its own timeline, whatever the outcome of the prosecution. The driver’s auto insurance is usually the first source of recovery, and underinsured motorist coverage on a household policy may also apply.
Steps to Take After a Hollywood Crosswalk Crash
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most pedestrian deaths in the United States happen at night. In a crowded area like Hollywood Boulevard, families can protect important evidence by acting in the first days after a crash.
- Request the LAPD report: Ask the LAPD for the case number and the Traffic Collision Report once it is complete.
- Follow the criminal case: Under Marsy’s Law, families of victims have rights that include notice of court dates. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s victim services can help.
- Preserve video quickly: Send written requests to nearby businesses for footage from that night. Private cameras often record over older video within days.
- Ask about victim assistance: The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) may help families with funeral and related expenses after a crime such as DUI.
Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If the crosswalk’s signals, lighting or design maintained by the City of Los Angeles 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 Hollywood Crosswalk Crash
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Samuel Brown. Important questions remain: What will test results show about the driver’s condition on Sunday night? And what do cameras along Hollywood Boulevard reveal about the moments before Brown was struck at Cherokee Avenue?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck 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 8, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on October 4, 2026.
