Fatal Calabasas Crash on 101 Freeway, Near Lost Hills Road
Teenage Pedestrian Struck, Killed on Ventura (101) Freeway
CALABASAS, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2026) — Jude Richardson, 16, has been identified as the pedestrian struck and killed in Calabasas on the eastbound Ventura (101) Freeway near Lost Hills Road early Monday morning, prompting a multi-agency response and hours-long traffic delays.
The teenager was identified by the Los Angeles County Sheriff-Coroner.
According to logs from the California Highway Patrol, the incident was first reported on Feb. 23rd at approximately 5:57 a.m. on the eastbound 101. Initial reports indicated a big rig had pulled over on the right shoulder, with the teenage victim lying in the No. 4 lane of traffic.
By 6:00 a.m., authorities requested a three-hour SigAlert and began diverting vehicles off at Lost Hills Road. Units arrived shortly after and confirmed the severity of the scene. A white Tesla was also reported stopped on the right shoulder near the reporting party, who was identified as the driver of a red semi-truck.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department had deputies on scene and requested CHP assistance with traffic control. Officials also called for a hard closure of lanes to allow investigators to examine the area safely.
At 6:36 a.m., the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner was notified and dispatched to the location. The coroner’s office indicated an estimated arrival time of approximately two hours from downtown Los Angeles. The next day, Jude Richardson was identified as the pedestrian who died in the collision.
Authorities began reopening lanes around 6:45 a.m., with the No. 1 lane reopened first. Traffic was expected to gradually ease as the morning commute continued.
The incident remains under investigation.
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When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
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