Woman Run Over by SUV Near Santa Monica Pier Identified by Authorities
A tragic accident near the Santa Monica Pier last week claimed the life of Sherese Allen, a 34-year-old woman, after she was run over by an SUV. Authorities confirmed her death due to traumatic asphyxia, a severe condition resulting from intense pressure on the body, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office. Allen, who police believe was homeless at the time, was struck late Thursday night, leaving the local community in shock and raising concerns about safety in high-traffic, public areas like Santa Monica Beach.
The incident took place around 11:30 p.m. when officers from the Santa Monica Police Department were dispatched to the 1400 block of the beach after receiving a report of a “vehicle stuck in the sand.” Upon their arrival, first responders discovered Allen trapped beneath an Infiniti SUV driven by 21-year-old Yuyang Sun, from Arcadia. According to police reports, Sun had been driving recklessly on the sand before the fatal accident occurred. Witnesses reported seeing the SUV speeding in circles, suggesting dangerous behavior that ultimately led to Allen’s death.
Emergency personnel, including firefighters from the Santa Monica Fire Department, rushed to the scene in an attempt to save Allen. Using specialized equipment, they lifted the SUV to extract her body. Sadly, Allen was pronounced dead at the scene, despite the responders' best efforts. The suddenness and severity of the incident have left many witnesses traumatized, and the nature of the accident has sparked discussions on safety measures in areas frequented by both pedestrians and vehicles.
Sun was taken into custody shortly after the crash and now faces several serious charges, including driving under the influence, reckless driving, and gross vehicular manslaughter. His bail was set at $100,000, and he remains held at the Santa Monica Police Department ahead of his scheduled court appearance. Sun is due for arraignment on Tuesday, where more details about his actions and the potential legal consequences will be revealed. If convicted, Sun could face severe penalties, especially given the nature of the charges against him, including gross vehicular manslaughter, which carries heavy sentencing under California law.
The incident has drawn public outrage and intensified the conversation about public safety at the Santa Monica Pier, an area that typically attracts large crowds of tourists and locals alike. With the pier's close proximity to popular beach spots, concerns have been raised over the ease with which vehicles can access areas heavily populated by pedestrians. Many argue that stricter traffic enforcement and barriers are needed to prevent vehicles from entering parts of the beach where people gather to relax or take part in recreational activities.
In addition, the tragedy has also reignited debates about the growing homeless population in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, including Santa Monica. Sherese Allen’s death has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities faced by the homeless, especially when living in open and unprotected spaces like beaches and public parks. Public safety advocates and homelessness support groups are calling for more humane approaches to ensure the safety of those without stable housing, particularly in public areas where they may be exposed to additional dangers.
This tragic incident is not an isolated case of reckless driving causing harm to pedestrians in popular tourist spots. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians are on the rise nationwide, with over 6,200 pedestrian fatalities recorded in 2021 alone, a stark reminder of the risks pedestrians face in crowded or recreational areas.
In response to the Santa Monica tragedy, city officials have announced plans to review safety protocols and assess whether additional measures should be taken to better secure pedestrian spaces. Advocates have called for concrete steps to limit vehicle access to beach areas, improve lighting, and install more signage reminding drivers of the dangers of reckless behavior in public areas. Enforcement of existing traffic laws will likely become a focal point in the ongoing discussions, with many urging authorities to increase patrols and monitoring of areas like the pier, especially during busy times.
For now, the community is left grappling with the shock of this preventable tragedy. The fatal combination of reckless driving and easy vehicle access to crowded public spaces has resulted in yet another senseless death. As Sun faces his day in court, the hope is that the lessons learned from this case will lead to stricter enforcement and better protections for those enjoying public spaces like the Santa Monica Pier.
