A memorial service was held on Wednesday at noon at the intersection of Lankershim and Chandler Boulevard in North Hollywood, where community members gathered to honor the memory of three individuals who tragically lost their lives after being struck by a vehicle while engaging in street vending activities.
A fatal incident occurred near a North Hollywood metro station on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of three women, as confirmed by the Los Angeles Fire Department. The victims have been identified as 57-year-old Teodora "Doris" Villalobos and 73-year-old Maria Peck, according to the Los Angeles County Forensic Doctor's Office, while the third victim remains unidentified.
Residents in the area expressed sadness when discussing the vendors who regularly provided them with food. A long-time user of public transportation, Juan Antonio, frequently passed by the women's station before boarding his bus, often interacting with the vendors.
To ensure all vendors felt included, Antonio would often purchase items from each, such as a pupusa for one, cookies for another, and a snack for the third.
A local resident, who lives in close proximity to the incident site, initially believed the commotion on Tuesday afternoon was unrelated to his neighborhood. However, he noted that helicopters were seen flying overhead. The three women involved, aged between 40 and 73, were reportedly long-time vendors of food in the area, having operated there for over a decade.
Antonio expressed his sentiments regarding the women who made sacrifices to support their families, describing them as kind and lamenting the loss of their lives. He stated that the community is grieving and is seeking justice, deeming it unjust that three lives have been lost.
Ihor Demianenko, a 61-year-old driver, was apprehended on multiple charges following a fatal incident involving a white minivan. He faces three counts of murder and a charge of driving under the influence of a substance. Demianenko's bail was set at $6,030,000 by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday.
Community members visited the scene of the accident on Wednesday, where the impact of the collision was still visible on the light deck adjacent to Chandler Boulevard.
A photograph of Doris, affectionately known as "La Güerita," was posted on the fundraising page, depicting her in her usual setting, preparing hot dogs. Her family, who launched a GoFundMe campaign on Wednesday afternoon, revealed that she was a devoted mother of three, originally from El Salvador, and earned a living by selling hot dogs, pupusas, and other local dishes. They characterized her as a kind-hearted individual.
The woman's children described her as a unifying figure who formed meaningful connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds. She was remembered by some as the devoted cook who prepared their favorite dishes, including pupuses. Others cherished her as a trusted confidante and a source of kind words. Her impact was profound, and she became an integral part of many families, leaving a lasting legacy in the community.
A colleague of Doris's, Noé Orozco, reported arriving at the scene to find the area cordoned off by police and bodies lying on the ground.
Orozco expressed his profound shock and disbelief over the tragic loss of life, stating that he had maintained a long-standing relationship with the seller, spanning over 12 years. He was present at the incident site on Wednesday, paying respects to the three vendors who lost their lives in the tragic event.
A visibly distraught lord expressed his sorrow, stating that he struggled to accept the tragic reality. He had intended to part ways with the woman that morning, but her untimely passing has left him with a profound sense of loss. The lord recalled the disturbing scene of her lifeless body discovered by the Metro elevator, surrounded by other women who witnessed the tragic event, which has left a lasting impression on him.
Eyewitness Orozco attempted to rush towards his coworker after witnessing the bodies, but his efforts were thwarted by police who had cordoned off the area. The vendor, who had been operating in the location for over two decades, was present at the scene.
Orozco expressed admiration for the individual, describing her as a kind and compassionate person, which motivated him to maintain a long-term working relationship.
The family of Peck's has provided insight into the life of the 73-year-old vendor, describing her as a dedicated and passionate individual. According to them, she consistently worked six days a week, driven by a genuine enthusiasm for her work and a desire to continue doing what she loved.
A devoted mother and pillar of the North Hollywood community, she left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals through her unwavering dedication, generosity, and warm spirit. For over 11 years, she was a cherished and recognizable figure in the community, where she worked as a saleswoman, embodying honesty, kindness, and a radiant personality that endeared her to all who knew her.
The individual's loved ones described her as someone who derived a sense of purpose and vitality from being an integral part of the community. Her joy was rooted in her dedication to hard work, building meaningful relationships with others, and providing support to those in need.
A witness and vendor at the Gensis Tamales station, María González, recounted her experience of the accident, stating she was working at the time of the incident. González, who has been selling in the area for over 14 years, expressed her familiarity with the vendors involved, her emotions visibly affected by the event.
The incident is deeply disturbing for those involved, as the victims were colleagues and working women who were not anticipating the danger that ultimately led to their harm.
The woman, familiar with the vendors, recognized Peck and Doris by their distinctive market stalls. On several occasions, they had personally purchased food from their own stands. Observing the area on Wednesday, she noted that the vendors' work allowed them to interact with a wide range of community members, including residents and customers, with whom they had developed strong and lasting relationships over the years.
González expressed deep sadness and regret over the tragic losses, acknowledging the profound impact on those who knew and loved the victims. The incident was a devastating shock, causing González to react with panic and emotional distress. The thought of individuals seeking a better life only to meet with fatal consequences is a heartbreaking reality that continues to evoke sorrow.
A fundraising campaign has been established on GoFundMe to support the families of the victims, including one created by the family of a victim in memory of Doris. Additionally, Mayor Adrin Nazarian and the Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (ICON CDC) have launched a separate GoFundMe page to raise funds for all affected families. Donations will provide critical support to alleviate immediate financial burdens and other pressing needs.
