Authorities said witnesses described a chaotic scene after a pickup truck hit two pedestrians and struck a building at Park La Brea. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The driver of a pickup truck who struck and killed a mother and critically injured her daughter as they walked to Hancock Park Elementary School on April 25 possibly suffered a medical emergency prior to the crash, police said.

Authorities released the driver from custody on April 26 and said the collision is still under investigation. Charges may be filed at a later date, but no details were provided. Police originally said speed and impairment were possible factors.

Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Bruce Borihanh said the driver is in his mid 30s but did not provide his name.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner identified the victim as Ghadah Abduljabbar, 33.

The victim’s 6-year-old daughter, a first-grader at Hancock Park Elementary School, remains hospitalized after being rushed there by paramedics after the collision. The crash occurred shortly before 8 a.m. at Ogden Drive and Colgate Avenue, an L-shaped intersection controlled by a stop sign just south of a Ross Dress for Less store on Third Street and east of the elementary school.

Police said a newer model Nissan Titan was traveling south on Ogden Drive at a high rate of speed when it hit the pedestrians, who were walking in a marked crosswalk. After hitting the victims, Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Nicholas Prange said firefighters and paramedics arrived within seven minutes. The mother was pronounced dead at the scene.

Paramedics also transported the pickup driver to the hospital in stable condition. Borihanh described the collision as a tragedy.

“From what we got from witnesses, they just described pure chaos as the truck struck the apartment building,” Borihanh said. “The officers were quick to respond and took the driver into custody and transported him to a local hospital.”

No other injuries were reported. Borihanh said only the driver was in the pickup. Representatives of Park La Brea said the apartment building sustained minimal damage and repairs are underway.

“We are saddened by the tragic accident that occurred on the street outside Park La Brea. We send our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of the woman who lost her life and our well-wishes for the healing of the critically injured child,” said Aryn Thomez, vice president of property management for Prime Residential, which owns Park La Brea. “Park La Brea is assisting authorities in their investigation and is here to support our community as they process the incident.”

Los Angeles Unified School District Board member Nick Melvoin immediately went to Hancock Park Elementary School after learning about the collision. Counselors were also dispatched to the school on April 25 and returned on April 26.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who was involved in or witnessed this horrific traffic accident near Hancock Park Elementary School,” LAUSD superintendent Alberto Carvalho said. “We send our sincerest condolences to the entire school community and have mental health counselors available onsite for students and employees.”

“Our hearts are broken over the death of a Hancock Park Elementary parent, and our prayers are with her daughter who remains in the hospital,” Melvoin said. “We are sending support to the school and will continue to ensure mental health and counseling services are available to anyone in need.”

Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, 5th District, also expressed condolences to the family and school staff, and said she will be taking steps to improve safety around schools.

“I am sending my love to the young child and my deepest condolences to her and her family for their tragic loss,” Yaroslavsky said. “We need to address street safety in Los Angeles as the crisis that it is. That starts with ensuring that Hancock Park Elementary has a crossing guard at the intersection where the accident occurred.”

Crossing guards were present outside the school as parents walked children to the campus on April 26. The LAUSD issued a statement that it supports more crossing guards and is advocating for more funds for crossing guard programs citywide.

Yaroslavsky also stated that she is introducing a motion to install speed bumps around every elementary school in Los Angeles.

“Our families deserve safe, accessible routes to school, and it is my priority to make that happen.”

Borihanh said anyone who witnessed the collision, has video or information is urged to call the LAPD’s West Traffic Division at (213)473-0234 or (213)472-0222. During weekend and off hours, call at (877)LAPD247.