Tragedy in Westwood: 42-Year-Old Woman Among Victims of Grocery Store Crash

 The community of Westwood is reeling after a tragic crash at the 99 Ranch Market that claimed three lives and left several others injured. Authorities confirmed that 42‑year‑old Deris Renoj was among the victims who died when a silver Mercedes sedan driven by a 92‑year‑old woman slammed into the supermarket’s bakery section around midday Thursday. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that Renoj died at the scene, while two men, ages 30 and 55, also lost their lives. Their identities are being withheld until relatives can be notified.

The Los Angeles Fire Department stated that six additional people were hurt in the chaos, with four rushed to hospitals. Two remain in critical condition. Store management revealed that two of the deceased were employees and one was a customer, though it remains unclear whether Renoj was working or shopping at the time. Witnesses described a scene of devastation as emergency crews worked quickly to treat the injured and secure the area.

Police have labeled the incident an accident and are investigating whether pedal misapplication — pressing the accelerator instead of the brake — may have caused the crash. The elderly driver is cooperating fully with investigators, and officials have not yet determined the final cause. The store remains closed as authorities continue their work, leaving the community shaken and searching for answers.

This tragedy underscores the vulnerability of everyday spaces where people gather, shop, and work. Grocery stores are often seen as safe, routine destinations, but the suddenness of this crash shattered that sense of normalcy. Families of the victims now face unimaginable grief, while survivors and witnesses must cope with the trauma of what they experienced.

Community members have already begun expressing condolences and support for those affected. The incident has sparked conversations about driver safety, particularly among elderly motorists, and whether additional safeguards or testing should be considered to prevent similar accidents. While authorities stress that the investigation is ongoing, the crash has reignited broader debates about balancing independence with public safety on the roads.

For now, Westwood mourns the loss of three lives cut short in a place meant for daily routines and community connection. As the investigation unfolds, residents hope for clarity and healing, while remembering those who will never return home from what should have been an ordinary day.

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