Zih Dao and Deris Renoj Identified: 92-Year-Old Driver, Leonel Mateo Also Named in Westwood 99 Ranch Market Crash That Killed 3, Injured 6.

On February 5, 2026, a routine lunch hour at the 99 Ranch Market in Westwood turned into a scene of tragedy when a silver Mercedes sedan crashed through the store’s front windows. The incident resulted in three fatalities and six injuries, leaving a community in mourning and raising urgent questions about road safety. Authorities have since identified the victims as 28-year-old Zih Dao, 42-year-old Deris Renoj, and 52-year-old Leonel Mateo. The driver has been identified as a 92-year-old woman.

Latest Developments: Victims Identified and Investigation Focus

In the days following the crash, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office worked to identify the victims. Zih Dao, 28, was publicly identified on Saturday, February 7. Deris Renoj, 42, was identified the day prior. The third victim was identified by Fox LA as 52-year-old Leonel Mateo. According to statements from 99 Ranch Market, two of the deceased were employees, and one was a customer.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has stated the crash is not being investigated as an intentional act. Current investigative angles include:

· Pedal Misapplication: Police are examining if the driver mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake.
· Medical Emergency: Investigators are looking into whether a medical episode contributed to the loss of control.
· Mechanical Failure: The LAPD is also checking the vehicle for any potential mechanical issues.

As of the latest reports, the 92-year-old driver faces no charges and is cooperating with the investigation. The damaged supermarket remains closed and has been “yellow-tagged” by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety as a precaution, though no major structural instability was found.

Profiles of the Victims: Employees and a Customer

The three individuals who lost their lives were in the bakery section of the market at the time of the crash.

· Zih Dao, 28: Described by a community member named Rosie as having a sunny disposition, Dao was remembered at a growing memorial site. “He would always have a nice attitude every time you saw him… he was like sunshine,” she said.
· Deris Renoj, 42: Renoj was one of the two store employees killed. Authorities have not specified her role within the market.
· Leonel Mateo, 52: Identified as the second employee who died, Mateo was not originally scheduled to work that day but had a last-minute change in his schedule.

The store’s statement expressed profound grief: “We are heartbroken by this loss. Our deepest condolences are with the families, loved ones, and colleagues of our team members who lost their lives”.

Timeline and Details of the Collision

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) provides a detailed account of the sequence of events:

· 12:11 p.m., February 5: Emergency calls are placed reporting a vehicle into a structure at 1350 S. Westwood Blvd..
· Initial Impact: The 92-year-old driver, traveling southbound on Westwood Boulevard in a silver Mercedes, first struck a bicyclist near the intersection with Wellworth Avenue, approximately one block north of the market.
· Final Crash: Instead of stopping, the vehicle continued, veered onto the sidewalk, and crashed through the glass-fronted façade of the 99 Ranch Market, coming to a stop in the bakery area.
· Immediate Aftermath: Several victims were trapped underneath the vehicle. Firefighters had to move the car to begin rescue operations. A triage area was set up outside as the scale of the incident became clear.

Eyewitness Accounts and Harrowing Video

Dashcam video from a passing car, which has circulated on social media and news reports, shows the sedan traveling at a high speed before violently crashing into the building.

Witnesses on the scene described a chaotic and devastating scene:

· Nicholas Reed, who was across the street, saw the initial collision with the bicyclist. “I skated back to make sure the lady on the bike was OK, and she was fine,” he said. Moments later, he saw the storefront crash and the grim aftermath: “Then I saw them doing CPR and it was just horrific”.
· Nick Derobbio, 28, was driving nearby and saw the crash happen. He later saw bystanders pull an unresponsive man from the wreckage. A regular customer, he noted he often waits for his food “literally where the car is right now”.
· A woman who had just left the bakery told KTLA the car seemed to accelerate after hitting the cyclist. “I would think you would stop, but instead of her stopping, she pressed on the gas… We couldn’t believe it. We were like, ‘Why is she going so fast?’”.

Community and Official Response

The response from the Westwood community and city officials was immediate and heartfelt.

· Memorial: A makeshift memorial of flowers, candles, and handwritten notes has grown outside the boarded-up entrance of the supermarket.
· Official Statements: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said, “My heart is with the victims, their families, and all who were impacted,” and thanked first responders. Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, who represents Westwood, expressed sympathy and said her office was monitoring the situation.
· Emergency Response: The LAFD deployment peaked at approximately 75 personnel. They worked alongside the LAPD, the LA County Medical Examiner, and other agencies for several hours to manage the scene.

Broader Implications: The Debate on Elderly Driver Safety

The driver’s age—92—has ignited a public conversation about driving safety and regulations for senior citizens in California.

· Current California Law: State law requires drivers aged 70 and older to renew their licenses in person every five years and pass a vision test. As of late 2024, most seniors with clean records are not required to take a written test, though the DMV can mandate additional testing if safety concerns exist.
· Public and Expert Reaction: At the crash site, community member Catherine Lanzarotta questioned the safety: “That’s kind of old for driving… Especially if this individual has health issues, they probably shouldn’t be driving”.
· AAA Perspective: Kandace Redd, a spokesperson for AAA, emphasized that “everyone ages differently” and that safe driving is about skill and self-awareness, not just age. She stressed the shared responsibility among drivers, their families, and doctors to evaluate fitness to drive regularly.

Ongoing Impact and Investigation

The investigation into the precise cause continues, with the LAPD reviewing the driver’s medical and driving history. The 99 Ranch Market chain, which operates 54 stores nationwide, has stated its focus is on supporting its employees and their families during “this profoundly difficult time”.

For the Westwood community, the tragedy is a stark reminder of how suddenly life can change. As the investigation seeks answers, the community is left to mourn Zih Dao, Deris Renoj, and Leonel Mateo, and to hope for the full recovery of the six injured individuals.

Key Details of the Westwood 99 Ranch Market Crash

· Date and Time: February 5, 2026, at 12:11 p.m.
· Location: 99 Ranch Market, 1350 S. Westwood Blvd. (at Rochester Ave), Westwood, Los Angeles
· Driver: 92-year-old woman, driving a silver Mercedes sedan
· Fatalities (3): Zih Dao, 28; Deris Renoj, 42; Leonel Mateo, 52
· Injured (6): Four hospitalized (two 35-year-old men in critical condition; one 37-year-old man and one 38-year-old man in fair condition). The driver and the struck bicyclist were treated at the scene and declined hospital transport.
· Status: Investigation ongoing; no charges filed; store closed