Ryo Uchimiya, a 51-year-old sushi chef at Nobu Malibu, was killed Saturday morning when a teenage driver crashed into his parked sedan on Pacific Coast Highway. Uchimiya was sleeping in the car before beginning his shift when a Range Rover struck it from behind at about 6:50 a.m. The collision pushed his sedan into two other vehicles and remains under investigation. Authorities have not said whether the 16-year-old driver will face charges.
The crash occurred on a stretch of Pacific Coast Highway that residents and workers describe as dangerous because of frequent speeding. Investigators said there was no indication the teenager was driving under the influence. Uchimiya’s family and coworkers remembered him as a husband, father of two children and a talented chef.
| 1) | Crash kills longtime Malibu chef |
|---|---|
| 2) | Investigation focuses on teenage driver |
| 3) | Chain reaction followed highway impact |
| 4) | Pacific Coast Highway has safety concerns |
| 5) | Restaurant community mourns Uchimiya |
Crash kills longtime Malibu chef
Ryo Uchimiya, 51, had worked as a sushi chef at Nobu Malibu for 25 years. He parked his sedan along the curb on Saturday morning and was resting inside before starting work. At approximately 6:50 a.m., a Range Rover driven by a 16-year-old boy struck the rear of the parked vehicle. Uchimiya died from multiple blunt force injuries, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office, which classified the death as accidental.
Investigation focuses on teenage driver
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said the teenager appeared to be speeding when the SUV hit Uchimiya’s car. Investigators reported no indication that the driver was under the influence. The circumstances of the collision, including whether the teenager had a valid license, remain under investigation, and authorities have not determined whether charges will be filed.
A witness described the driver as appearing shocked and confused after the crash. The witness said the teenager remained at the scene for about two hours and that his parents had not arrived during that period. Those observations have not established the driver’s legal status or responsibility, which will be determined through the investigation.
Chain reaction followed highway impact
Surveillance footage showed the Range Rover slamming into Uchimiya’s parked sedan. The force of the impact pushed the sedan into two vehicles parked in front of it, creating a chain-reaction collision. The crash took place while Uchimiya was inside the car, where he had been sleeping before his scheduled shift and a catering assignment.
The available information identifies the time and location of the collision but does not state whether other people were injured. The sheriff’s department continues to examine the crash, while the medical examiner’s ruling establishes the official cause and manner of Uchimiya’s death.
Pacific Coast Highway has safety concerns
The deadly collision occurred on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, an area that people who work and live nearby say is known for dangerous driving and repeated speeding. The Malibu City Council declared a local emergency in November 2023 over hazardous conditions on the highway. That action followed a separate crash in which a speeding driver struck and killed four Pepperdine University students.
The earlier emergency declaration provides broader context for concerns about the roadway, but officials have not announced that it directly caused the crash involving Uchimiya. Residents and workers continue to identify speeding as a recurring safety issue along the stretch where Saturday’s collision occurred.
Restaurant community mourns Uchimiya
Uchimiya’s loved ones and colleagues remembered him as a devoted husband, father of two and skilled chef. The manager of Nobu Malibu said the restaurant’s staff were supporting his family during the difficult period.
“Obviously, it’s been a very, very difficult day for so many people.”
A fellow chef described Uchimiya as kind and talented, adding that he had been resting before preparing for a catering job. A hostess said staff members were still processing the loss and needed time before speaking publicly. The restaurant community’s response reflects the impact of Uchimiya’s death on colleagues who had worked alongside him for many years.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ryo Uchimiya, 51, died after his parked sedan was struck in Malibu. |
| 2 | The driver was a 16-year-old boy in a Range Rover. |
| 3 | Authorities said the teenager appeared to be speeding and found no indication of intoxication. |
| 4 | The impact caused a chain reaction involving two additional vehicles. |
| 5 | The investigation remains active, and charging decisions are pending. |
Summary
The fatal Malibu crash highlights continuing concerns about speeding on Pacific Coast Highway. A 16-year-old driver struck the parked car of Ryo Uchimiya, who was sleeping before work, causing fatal injuries and a chain reaction involving other vehicles. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances and have not announced whether the teenager will be charged, while Uchimiya’s family and restaurant colleagues mourn his loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the crash?
Ryo Uchimiya, a 51-year-old sushi chef who had worked at Nobu Malibu for 25 years, died in the collision.
When and where did the crash occur?
The crash occurred at about 6:50 a.m. Saturday on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California.
What is known about the teenage driver?
The driver was a 16-year-old boy operating a Range Rover. Authorities said he appeared to be speeding and found no indication that he was driving under the influence. It remains unclear whether he will face charges.
How did the collision happen?
The Range Rover struck Uchimiya’s parked sedan from behind. The sedan was pushed into two vehicles parked ahead of it, producing a chain-reaction crash.
