Westwood, CA – The Westwood community is grappling with an overwhelming tragedy following a fatal crash at the 99 Ranch Market on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Three people tragically lost their lives, and six others were injured when a vehicle collided with the store after hitting a bicyclist nearby. Authorities have now identified Zih Dao, a 28-year-old man from the local area, as the second confirmed victim in the incident. Dao, along with 42-year-old Deris Renoj and another individual who has yet to be named, died in the tragic crash. Two of the deceased were employees of the grocery store, and the third was a customer.

As investigators continue to gather information and analyze the sequence of events that led to the crash, the Westwood community has come together in grief. The shock of losing lives in such a public and violent way has rippled through the neighborhood, as residents, employees, and local officials offer their support to the families of the victims. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the incident, and residents are being urged to wait for the official findings of law enforcement.

The Incident: A Chain of Tragic Events

The tragic event unfolded in the early afternoon, when an elderly woman driving a vehicle struck a bicyclist near the 99 Ranch Market, located on a busy intersection in Westwood. According to witnesses, the woman did not stop after the collision with the cyclist, and instead, she continued driving erratically through the area, eventually crashing her vehicle into the 99 Ranch Market. The car smashed into the storefront, causing devastating damage and trapping several individuals under the vehicle.

Emergency responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department were quickly dispatched to the scene. Firefighters and paramedics worked to extricate those trapped under the car and provide immediate medical care to the victims. However, despite their best efforts, three individuals were tragically pronounced dead at the scene. These included Zih Dao, Deris Renoj, and a third victim, whose name has not yet been released to the public.

The crash occurred so suddenly and violently that it left little time for reaction. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with people scrambling to assist those injured and trapped under the vehicle. As first responders worked tirelessly to assist those affected, it became clear that the damage was severe and that lives had been irrevocably lost.

The Victims: Remembering Zih Dao and the Other Lives Lost

Zih Dao, 28, has been identified as the second confirmed fatality in the incident. Friends, family, and colleagues have expressed deep sorrow over his untimely death, remembering him as a kind, hardworking, and dependable man. Local residents shared stories of how Dao was always willing to lend a hand to those in need and how he made an effort to support his community. His tragic passing has left an irreplaceable void, and his friends are devastated by the loss.

Dao’s family is still processing the shock of losing him in such a violent and unexpected manner. According to family members, Zih was a young man with a promising future, full of ambition and love for his community. His death, like the others, has sparked an outpouring of grief from those who knew him, leaving them to come to terms with the sudden loss.

Similarly, Deris Renoj, 42, has also been remembered fondly by friends and colleagues. Renoj was a longtime employee at the 99 Ranch Market, known for his dedication to his job and his commitment to providing excellent customer service. His coworkers are struggling to accept the loss of someone they considered not just a colleague, but a friend.

The third victim, who remains unidentified as of now, was a customer at the store. The loss of this individual, whose name has not been released to the public, has added to the community’s grief. The tragedy has affected everyone who was present at the scene, from employees to customers, as they try to make sense of the events that led to this devastating crash.

The Investigation: What We Know and What Remains to Be Uncovered

Law enforcement authorities, including the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), are leading the investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Initial reports suggest that the elderly woman driving the vehicle may have been experiencing a medical issue or may have lost control of the car before it collided with the store. Police have emphasized that they do not believe the crash was intentional, but they are investigating all possible causes, including whether a medical emergency, loss of control, or another factor contributed to the accident.

Authorities have stated that the woman involved in the incident did not remain at the scene after hitting the bicyclist, continuing her journey until the vehicle crashed into the 99 Ranch Market. The details surrounding her actions remain unclear, and law enforcement is focusing on understanding what transpired in the moments leading up to the crash. Ballistics tests and other forensic investigations are ongoing, including interviews with witnesses who may have seen the events unfold. Investigators are also reviewing any available surveillance footage from nearby cameras to further assess the situation and provide clarity on what caused the crash.

One of the key aspects of the investigation is understanding the elderly woman’s condition at the time of the accident. Law enforcement has not confirmed whether she was suffering from any medical issues, and this remains a critical part of the investigation. The police are also looking into whether the car’s brakes were functioning properly, as well as whether any other technical malfunctions may have contributed to the incident.

Public Response: Grief, Support, and Safety Concerns

The tragic loss of three lives has shaken the Westwood community, and local residents have responded with an outpouring of grief and support for the families of the victims. Flowers, candles, and messages of sympathy have been left outside the 99 Ranch Market, with the community coming together to honor the lives lost in such a violent manner.

“I still can’t believe this happened,” said one local resident. “I was just here the other day, and to hear that this kind of tragedy occurred so suddenly is just heartbreaking. My heart goes out to the families of the victims, and I hope they find some peace during this difficult time.”

In addition to mourning the loss of the victims, the community is also reflecting on the need for better safety measures in public spaces. The crash, which occurred at such a busy intersection, has raised questions about pedestrian and driver safety, especially in commercial areas where large numbers of people gather. Residents are calling for increased measures to prevent accidents like this one, including better traffic control and stricter regulations for senior drivers.

A Statement from 99 Ranch Market

The 99 Ranch Market, which was the scene of the crash, issued a heartfelt statement expressing their deep sorrow over the incident. In their statement, the store offered condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that they are fully cooperating with law enforcement and emergency responders during the ongoing investigation.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and extend our deepest condolences to the families of those affected,” the statement read. “We are working closely with law enforcement authorities as they investigate the cause of this accident. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we are committed to supporting the community during this difficult time.”

As a result of the crash, the Westwood location of 99 Ranch Market has remained closed. The store has emphasized its cooperation with authorities and has expressed a commitment to reopening as soon as the investigation is complete and safety assessments have been made.

The Road Ahead: Community Support and Reflection

As the investigation into the fatal crash continues, the community remains focused on supporting the victims’ families and reflecting on the profound impact of this tragic event. While law enforcement works to uncover the details surrounding the crash, residents are coming together to offer comfort and assistance to those affected.

Local leaders have called for patience as the investigation unfolds and for residents to remain respectful of the families’ privacy during this challenging time. The tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the need for compassion in times of loss.

In the weeks ahead, updates on the investigation will be shared by the LAPD, and the community will continue to remember the victims of the Westwood 99 Ranch Market crash. The outpouring of grief and support from the Westwood community is a testament to the lasting impact of those lost and the collective spirit of compassion that will carry the community forward.