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Suspected DUI Driver From Golden Valley Road Collision ID’d By Coroner
Suspected DUI Driver From Golden Valley Road Collision ID’d By Coroner. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

Suspected DUI Driver From Golden Valley Road Collision ID’d By Coroner

The suspected DUI driver in the Golden Valley Road collision that occurred early Wednesday morning has been identified by the County Coroner’s Office.


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Matthew Charles Thibodeau, 31, of Canyon Country has been identified as the individual pronounced dead on scene at the Golden Valley Road DUI crash on Tuesday, according to Ed Winter, Assistant Chief of the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

“He was pronounced dead at the scene on the 16th at 11:04 p.m.,” said Winter.

CHP investigators suspect alcohol and excessive speed played a part in a fatal crash that killed one and sent three to the hospital Tuesday night.

Investigators believe around 10:50 p.m. a Honda Civic traveling “at a high rate of speed” southbound on Golden Valley Road, turned left on a red arrow to Dorothy Street, and then collided with a Toyota Sienna heading across the intersection on Golden Valley Road.

Related: Golden Valley Road DUI Crash Leaves 1 Dead, 3 Transported To Hospital

“Both vehicles were involved in a head on collision,” said Officer Eric Priessman from CHP Newhall.

The driver of the Honda Civic was pronounced dead at the scene and the other passenger was transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. Officers on scene confirmed that the driver of the Honda Civic was not wearing a seatbelt.

Meanwhile, the driver of the second vehicle, along with a 3-year-old child riding as a passenger, were airlifted from the scene to Northridge Hospital.

“Excessive speed and alcohol may be a factor,” said Priessman, specifying that officials suspect the deceased driver may have been intoxicated.

The status of the airlifted adults and toddler are unknown at this time.

Investigators ask that any witnesses call CHP Newhall at 661-294-5540.

Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or drop us a line at community@hometownstation.com.

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Suspected DUI Driver From Golden Valley Road Collision ID’d By Coroner

20 comments

  1. Anytime death is involved, it’s a sad tragic incident. Just the other day, someone came down passing Holly at about 80mph (if not more), and ran the red light, almost colliding with me. I think it’s time for some speed enforcement again on the entire stretch of Golden Valley.

    • I agree the speed is a major factor for these accidents on Golden Valley I experience it on a daily basis .. solution more enforcement or more stop signs.. something needs to change.

  2. Fortunately this time the drunk got killed not the innocent ones who so often are obeying the rules. This valley is out of control with drunk reckless drivers.

    • The “drunk” named was my cousin. His toxicology report came back NOT alcohol or drug related nor other pending results. Unfortunately, his injuries sustained were from not wearing his seatbelt and it was truly just a bad accident.

    • How dare you say that.He was loved and he wasnt drunk or drinking that day.I really hope well you die your family doesnt have to see such hate filled comments.

  3. Glad the innocent people were not killed, thankfully no next time for the suspect.

  4. There needs to be some serious attention on speeding. There are many roads and neighborhoods without posted speed limits, and people have no respect. Just today a mustang came up super fast behind us on rainbow Glen rd. as we were making a left turn into our neighborhood, where the speed should be 25pmh, and he was going about 40, he honked at us for a long time because we slowed him down and he revved up as soon as he could. We had our 6 month old and 3 year old in the car and they got scared. These people have no shame and need to be stopped!

  5. Sadly the “Drunk” is still a life lost, a child, brother, son, friend…. etc. Prayers to all the victims, even those that are victim to their demons.

  6. The City has a long track record of only creating traffic calming measures when a death occurs. The shortcut from the 5 frwy to the 14 frwy on Golden Valley Road was poorly designed. There has been
    far too many accidents and one too many deaths. Immediate action is necessary.

  7. Anyone else notice the white Honda Civic has an expired car registration sticker? Too many motorists on the road are in violation of CVC 4000(a)(1).

  8. Matthew’s toxicology came back NOT alcohol or drug related. He is my cousin and my family is heartbroken over his death.

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About Mauricio La Plante

Mauricio La Plante is a staff writer and photographer at KHTS. He started writing news stories at the Saugus Scroll at Saugus High School in 2014, and came to KHTS Radio in Jan. 2017. La Plante studies multimedia journalism at College of the Canyons, and is often reporting at breaking news scenes and local events. For any tips email him at mslaplante19@gmail.com or message him through twitter or facebook @mslaplantenews.