A Southern California police officer who was a hero of the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting died Wednesday when his motorcycle was hit by a car on a Los Angeles-area highway, authorities said.
Manhattan Beach Police Officer Chad Swanson was likely heading to work when the collision happened shortly after 5 a.m. on Interstate 405 in Carson, according to the California Highway Patrol.
CHP Officer Steve Carapia told reporters that it appears the car that hit Swanson’s police motorcycle was initially struck by another vehicle that likely made “an unsafe lane change.”
Investigators are trying to determine if a fourth vehicle may have also been involved.
The Southern California News Group reported that Swanson, 35, died at a hospital.
A second person was hospitalized with minor injuries.
Manhattan Beach Police Officer Chad Swanson was likely heading to work when the collision happened shortly after 5 a.m. on Interstate 405 in Carson. Manhattan Beach PD
CHP Officer Steve Carapia told reporters that it appears the car that hit Swanson’s police motorcycle was initially struck by another vehicle that likely made “an unsafe lane change.” CBS Los Angeles
Investigators are trying to determine if a fourth vehicle may have also been involved. CBS Los Angeles
A procession honoring Swanson passes through Gardena, Calif on its way to the county coroner’s office. AP
The procession arrives at the Los Angeles Coroner’s officer on Wednesday following the fatal crash. APManhattan Beach Police Lt. Kelly Benjamin said Swanson was married with three sons.
“We’re hurting, we’re grieving,” Benjamin said.
Swanson was in the crowd at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas on Oct. 1, 2017, when a gunman opened fire from a window of the Mandalay Bay hotel.
Manhattan Beach Police Lt. Kelly Benjamin said Swanson was married with three sons. porac.org
Swanson was a 13 year veteran of the department and became a motorcycle officer in 2017. APBenjamin said Swanson helped get shooting victims and others out of the area.
Swanson was a 13 year veteran of the department and became a motorcycle officer in 2017, officials said.
