Lyft driver killed in Hawthorne, struck by a suspected drunken driver, police say

A Lyft driver was killed Friday morning after his car was broadsided by the vehicle of a suspected drunken driver in Hawthorne, police said.

The fatal crash occurred just before 3 a.m. at 120th Street and Doty Avenue, according to a statement by Lt. Ti Goetz of the Hawthorne Police Department.

Authorities said the man was driving a 2015 black Ford Fusion, heading west on 120th Street, when his vehicle was struck by a 2003 red Infiniti coup at the intersection.

Los Angeles County Fire paramedics pronounced the 21-year-old Lyft driver dead at the scene. He was identified as Thor Anderson of Compton by the Los Angeles County coroner.

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Police arrested 21-year-old Arturo Martinez Conchas on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of illegal drugs.

Conchas was taken to a hospital for medical clearance before he was booked into jail at the Hawthorne Police Department, where he is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Paige Thelen, a Lyft representative, said in a statement: “Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic accident. Thor was an important member of the Lyft community and we are very saddened to hear this news. We will support authorities in the ongoing investigation and help in any way we can.”

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