3 Killed in Westwood Grocery Store Crash

Victims include two employees and one customer at 99 Ranch Market

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Three people were killed when a 92-year-old driver crashed her car into a grocery store in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles on Thursday. The victims included two employees of the 99 Ranch Market and one customer shopping at the bakery section of the store.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shaken the Westwood community, with residents expressing grief and coming together to pay respects to the victims. The crash raises questions about senior driver safety and the need for improved safety measures in and around grocery stores.

The details

According to authorities, the 92-year-old driver of a silver car crashed into the 99 Ranch Market, fatally striking the two employees and one customer. The deceased employees were identified as Leonel Mateo, 52, and Deris Renoj, 42, both immigrants who left behind families. The customer killed was 28-year-old Zih Dao. Investigators are looking into the driver's medical and driving history to determine the cause of the crash.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • Authorities released the identities of the victims on Friday, February 7, 2026.

The players

99 Ranch Market

A grocery store located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles where the incident took place.

Leonel Mateo

A 52-year-old employee of 99 Ranch Market who was killed in the crash. He was originally from Mexico and left behind two children.

Deris Renoj

A 42-year-old employee of 99 Ranch Market who was killed in the crash. He was an immigrant from Guatemala.

Zih Dao

A 28-year-old customer who was killed while shopping at the bakery section of 99 Ranch Market.

92-year-old driver

The driver of the silver car that crashed into the grocery store, whose identity was not released by police.

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What they’re saying

“This is a surprise. This is a nice person.”

— Rocio Alvarado, Family member of Leonel Mateo (NBC Los Angeles)

“Three people lost their lives. And I feel empathy for that. That's why I got out of work and brought a candle.”

— Leonard Lopez, Relative of Deris Renoj (NBC Los Angeles)

“It's going to be hard to move forward. But grief is just the unexpressed love that people can't give.”

— Giacomo Diora Carter, UCLA student (NBC Los Angeles)

“Pray. That's it, that's all we can do. Just pray.”

— Leonard Lopez, Relative of Deris Renoj (NBC Los Angeles)

What’s next

Investigators are looking into the 92-year-old driver's medical and driving history to determine the cause of the crash.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has highlighted the need for improved safety measures in and around grocery stores, as well as the importance of addressing senior driver safety concerns to prevent such devastating accidents in the future. The Westwood community has come together to mourn the loss of the three victims and provide support to their families.