Off-Duty LASD Deputy Marcos Pena Jr. Killed in Tragic 101 Freeway Crash in San Fernando Valley
LOS ANGELES, CA —A devastating early morning crash on the 101 Freeway has claimed the life of off-duty Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Marcos Pena Jr., sending shockwaves through the law enforcement community and beyond. The collision occurred at approximately 2:17 a.m. Tuesday near Tujunga Avenue in North Hollywood, shutting down all westbound lanes through the San Fernando Valley for several hours.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident unfolded when a black Kia SUV came to a stop in the traffic lanes of the freeway under unclear circumstances. Deputy Pena, 31, and another individual exited the vehicle shortly thereafter. Moments later, a large International box truck collided with both of them, resulting in their tragic deaths at the scene.
The second victim has not yet been publicly identified, pending notification of family.
Authorities have not disclosed why the Kia was stopped in the roadway or whether mechanical issues or other factors may have contributed to the situation. The driver of the box truck remained at the scene and was cooperative with investigators. It is not immediately known whether that driver sustained any injuries.
The crash brought traffic to a standstill in the early morning hours, prompting CHP to divert vehicles to the northbound 170 Freeway. In addition, the transition from the westbound 134 to the westbound 101 and the Tujunga Avenue on-ramp were also closed during the investigation. By late morning, all affected lanes had reopened.
The news of Deputy Pena’s death has left the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in mourning. In a heartfelt statement released Tuesday, Sheriff Robert G. Luna expressed the department’s grief and offered condolences to Pena’s loved ones:
“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 Marcos Pena Jr. joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on July 14, 2022. He was assigned to Men’s Central Jail, one of the department’s most demanding and high-responsibility posts. Though still early in his career, Pena was quickly recognized for his dedication, professionalism, and deep sense of service.
His passing marks not only the loss of a deputy but of a young man with a promising future, whose life was rooted in compassion, courage, and commitment to his community.
Deputy Pena is survived by his mother, Michelle Rubio; his stepfather, LASD Deputy Albert Rubio; and four stepsiblings: Diserre, Ashley, Albert, and Deja Rubio. Family and friends remember him as a gentle soul with a generous heart, always willing to lend a hand or a kind word.
Tributes have poured in from across the region, with colleagues remembering Pena as a dedicated team player and a natural leader. At the jail, fellow deputies described him as someone who brought calm and steadiness to tense situations, earning the respect of both his peers and superiors. Outside of work, he was known for his sense of humor, love of family, and unwavering loyalty to those he cared about.
While the CHP investigation into the crash remains ongoing, the Sheriff’s Department has committed to honoring Deputy Pena’s service and sacrifice. Plans for memorial services will be announced in the coming days.
The sudden loss of Deputy Marcos Pena Jr. is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be. In uniform and beyond, he served with honor, leaving behind a legacy of strength, humility, and service. His name will be remembered not just for the badge he wore, but for the life he lived — one of purpose, dedication, and deep humanity.
May he rest in peace.
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