At a Glance
- Fatal freeway chase on Oct. 20 ended in a death.
- Teen Celeste Rivas identified in a Tesla tied to singer D4vd.
- Army veteran Jim Cragg survived the Palisades Fire using sprinklers.
Why it matters: These events illustrate the year’s most shocking moments in Los Angeles, from deadly traffic pursuits to wildfire survival and controversial enforcement.
In 2025, Los Angeles viewers were drawn to stories that spanned deadly freeway chases, a wildfire drama, a mysterious death in a celebrity’s vehicle, and controversial immigration enforcement. Here’s a recap of the most-watched events that defined the year.
Fatal 110 Freeway Chase
A man was fatally struck by a vehicle while attempting to evade authorities on the 110 Freeway in Highland Park on Oct. 20. The driver of a white van abandoned the car in the furthest left lane of the northbound 110 and jumped over the center divider onto the southbound lanes. The man landed on the other side, stumbled, and was struck by another driver.
- Date: Oct. 20
- Location: 110 Freeway, Highland Park
- Fatality: One man
Palisades Fire Veteran
During the Palisades Fire, 30-year-old Army veteran Jim Cragg spoke with News Of Los Angeles and described the blaze as a war zone. He had placed oscillating lawn sprinklers on his roof, sprayed fire retardant, and fled, only to return and find his house still standing.
- Veteran: Jim Cragg
- Action: Sprinklers, fire retardant
- Outcome: House intact
Girl Found in D4vd’s Tesla
Authorities identified a 15-year-old girl, Celeste Rivas, found dead in a Tesla at a Los Angeles tow yard on Sept. 16. The vehicle, registered to singer D4vd, had been impounded after neighbors reported it abandoned in the Hollywood Hills for over a month. Forensics confirmed the identity; the medical examiner is still determining cause of death.
- Victim: Celeste Rivas, 15
- Vehicle: Tesla, owner D4vd
- Discovery: Sept. 8
- Identification: Sept. 16
Great White Racism Accusations
The Melrose-area restaurant Great White faced backlash after a video surfaced showing a patron and others of color being segregated to one portion of the dining room. Former employees claimed management directed them to treat people of color differently, citing a culture of discrimination.
- Restaurant: Great White
- Location: Melrose District
- Allegations: Segregation, management instruction
Home Depot Border Patrol Operation
On Sept. 7, masked Border Patrol agents conducted an immigration enforcement operation at a Home Depot in Hollywood. Video showed agents detaining at least two people and placing them in an unmarked vehicle, while witnesses swarmed the parking lot.
- Date: Sept. 7
- Location: Home Depot, Hollywood
- Action: Detainment, unmarked vehicle
| Incident | Date | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Fatal 110 Freeway chase | Oct. 20 | Man struck by car during pursuit |
| Palisades Fire veteran | – | Jim Cragg used sprinklers, house safe |
| Girl in D4vd’s Tesla | Sept. 16 | Celeste Rivas identified |
| Great White racism | – | Segregation video, employee claims |
| Home Depot Border Patrol | Sept. 7 | Masked agents detain individuals |
Key Takeaways
- One fatal freeway chase in Los Angeles.
- A veteran survived wildfire using sprinklers.
- A teen’s death tied to a celebrity’s vehicle.
- Allegations of racism at a popular restaurant.
- Immigration enforcement at a Home Depot sparked controversy.
These stories illustrate the breadth of challenges and controversies that unfolded in Los Angeles this year, reminding viewers of the city’s complex social fabric and the ongoing need for vigilance and justice.
