Melchor De la Torre Dies in Tragic Hit-and-Run Crash on Long Beach Freeway [Paramount, CA]

Paramount, CA (September 29, 2026) — Melchor De la Torre, 54, died after a hit-and-run collision near the Rosecrans Avenue entrance to the Long Beach Freeway in Paramount late Thursday night.

The crash was reported at approximately 11:01 p.m. near the on-ramp from Rosecrans Avenue to the northbound Long Beach (710) Freeway. The California Highway Patrol said De la Torre may have initially been struck on Rosecrans Avenue before ending up on the freeway on-ramp.

An electric bicycle was found near De la Torre, although authorities had not determined whether he was riding the e-bike when the collision occurred. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified De la Torre as the victim and reported that he suffered traumatic injuries and died at the scene.

The driver involved in the collision fled before authorities arrived. Investigators had not released a description of the driver or vehicle.

The CHP initially responded to the crash, while detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department took over the investigation. The Rosecrans Avenue ramp toward the northbound 710 Freeway was closed during the investigation, and a SigAlert was issued while authorities worked at the scene.

Investigators continue working to identify the driver involved in the fatal hit-and-run.

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Sweet Lawyers extends our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family and loved ones of Melchor De la Torre. Our hearts are with you through these trying times.

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