Crime & Safety

Fundraiser Set Up for 5 Children of Man Killed in Freeway Accident

Friends of Jimmy Hughes, Jr., the victim of a fatal wreck on the 134 Freeway Friday, have established a fundraiser for the man's family. The target is $5,000.

The man who died in an overturned wreck on the Ventura (134) Freeway Friday was a single father of five young children from La Crescenta. 

This family could use some financial help. Friend Angie Grepo has set up an online fundraiser for the family, available on youcaring.com. You may see the page and contribute here. 

Jimmy Hughes, Jr., 37, lost control of his Chevrolet Suburban, which went down an embankment, across the median and into eastbound lanes, colliding with a Toyota Solara before overturning.

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

Los Angeles County Coroner Assistant Chief Ed Winter said Monday that heart disease and blunt force trauma were the causes of death - indicating Hughes may have had a heart attack while driving. 

The unexpected death of their father has left his two sons and three daughters in an economically vulnerable position, Grepo said. She described Hughes as "a good friend'' and "an awesome father.''

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

On the fundraising page Grepo wrote: 

As you all Jimmy Hughes Jr was an amazing Single father of five. He left behind 2 young men and 3 beautiful girls. We ask for your support in any amount possible. No amount is too great or too small. These funds will allow Jimmy's Family to provide anything the children may need. The Hughes family consists of great people. They deserve all the support and prayers you have to offer. Thank you for your time and your generousity [sic].

Friend of the family Marcos Arroyo echoed Grepo's sentiments. He described the Hughes family as "hard working'' and "like most of us, just trying to get by and make the best of life.'' 

Added Arroyo: "We just pray and hope that Jimmy's kids will be able to heal, to live a normal life as possible, and to make something positive of themselves and to make their father Jimmy Hughes proud,'' Arroyo wrote in an email to Patch. 

The fundraising page says the family hopes to raise $5,000. As of early Monday, they've raised $495.

Memorial Service

A service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Dominic’s Church in Eagle Rock, 2002 Merton Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90041. There will be a gathering afterward at Eagle Rock park gym. A friend of the family requested that guests please bring a dish or drinks.


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.

More from Arcadia