Update (August 13, 2025): Authorities have identified the woman killed in this accident as Ingrid Zapata, 57, of Moreno Valley.

Pomona, CA — August 11, 2025, one person was killed in a truck accident at about 2:30 a.m. on State Route 60/Pomona Freeway.

Authorities said a tire came off of a westbound 1995 GMC pickup near Garey Avenue, striking the windshield of an eastbound Lexus sedan.

The Lexus driver, whose name has not been made public yet, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any more information about the Los Angeles County crash at this time. The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

In the aftermath of a catastrophic crash, questions always arise; not just about what happened, but about whether anyone could have seen it coming. It’s easy to focus on the visible wreckage, but the most important answers often lie in the details most people never think to check.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? It’s unclear whether investigators took extra steps beyond the basic scene review. A crash where a tire detaches and strikes another vehicle head-on demands more than surface-level work. Officers needed to examine where and how the tire separated, whether vehicle speeds were documented and whether pre-crash paths were reconstructed. Late-night crashes like this one are often rushed, especially on busy roadways, and the depth of investigation can vary depending on who’s assigned to the scene and how many resources they have.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? A tire separating mid-drive isn’t something that just “happens.” It raises immediate concerns about mechanical failure, improper maintenance or a defect in the wheel assembly. A pickup from the mid-90s may be more vulnerable to parts failure if critical components haven’t been replaced or inspected regularly. Unless the GMC was put through a full mechanical inspection after the crash — including the axle, lugs and hub — it’s entirely possible that a defect will go unrecognized.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? While older vehicles like a 1995 GMC may lack advanced electronic data, the Lexus likely contains systems capable of storing useful information: speed, braking and potentially camera footage. Traffic cameras along the freeway might also offer footage of the moment the tire came off or help confirm vehicle trajectories. Phone records could provide further context, especially if distraction played a role in the moments before impact.

When a crash turns deadly, the hardest part is knowing how much more there is to learn. Each overlooked step leaves a family without answers and allows future risks to go unchecked. What matters most is making sure no stone is left unturned.

Key Takeaways:

• Tire separation should always trigger a close look at possible vehicle defects.
• Older vehicles need thorough mechanical inspections after a crash.
• Investigators must dig deeper than the crash scene to find real answers.