Crime & Safety

Motorist Killed in Crash on 405 Freeway in Van Nuys

The victim is identified as Sharry Friel, 51, of Santa Clarita.

By City News Service

A motorcyclist was killed after she struck a disabled vehicle, then was hit by a vehicle herself in a chain reaction accident on the northbound San Diego (405) Freeway, authorities said Tuesday.

The victim was identified as Sharry Friel, 51, of Santa Clarita, California Highway Patrol Sgt. S. Pessell said.

Find out what's happening in Sherman Oakswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Pessell said Friel's 2009 Yamaha struck the rear of a BMW, driven by Craig Varner, 27, of Newhall, after it stopped in the right lane with a punctured front tire.

The force of the collision ejected the victim into the adjoining No. 2 lane, where she was struck by a 2005 Lexus, driven by Alyson Wells, 23, of North Hills, Pessell said.

Find out what's happening in Sherman Oakswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The collisions occurred around 8:45 p.m. Monday, Pessell said. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after, he said.

As yet, no charges have been laid, Pessell said early today.

Witnesses to the accident are asked to contact the West Valley Area Office of the CHP at (818) 888-0980.     

A sigalert closed four of the five northbound lanes of the freeway for 3 3/4 hours after the accident, according to the CHP incident log.



Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.