LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Funeral services were pending Tuesday for a veteran LAPD sergeant who was fatally struck when he stopped his patrol vehicle on the southbound San Diego (405) Freeway in the Brentwood area to help motorists involved in an earlier crash, one of whom also died.
The crash occurred around 2 a.m. Monday on the freeway just north of Moraga Drive, authorities said.
According to LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, 53-year-old Sgt. Shiou Deng came upon what appeared to be a two-vehicle collision and stopped his patrol SUV to offer assistance.
"He saw that it was a serious crash and he activated his rear amber lights in an effort to be able to slow traffic behind him and provide some level of safety for the people who were involved in that collision," McDonnell said.
Deng exited his vehicle to check on the other motorists when he was struck by another vehicle, according to the chief.
"He was transported to (Ronald Reagan) UCLA Medical Center, and despite their valiant efforts, he did not make it," McDonnell said.
Another motorist in the earlier crash, a man believed to be in his mid- 30s, was pronounced dead on the freeway. A third person was also taken to a hospital in unknown condition. Neither of those motorists had been identified as of Tuesday.
The deadly crash and ensuing investigation shut down the southbound 405 in the Brentwood area through the morning rush hour.
McDonnell said the sergeant achieved his current rank two years ago and was assigned to the Los Angeles Police Department's West Los Angeles Division.
"He's an exceptional guy," McDonnell said. "A true leader. A true hero. He had 26 1/2 years on the LAPD. During that time he spent about 17 of those years working our Mental Evaluation Unit, where he was out there every day caring for the most vulnerable in our society."
The chief hailed Deng as "exceptionally funny" and "caring to a fault" for the officers under his command. McDonnell said Deng "tried to make the situation we face as good as it can be for his officers and for the people we have the privilege to serve in our society."
"He died a hero," McDonnell told reporters outside the hospital. "He was out there caring for others, putting their safety before his own."
McDonnell, Mayor Karen Bass and a host of LAPD officers gathered at the hospital to honor Deng.
"The men and women of LAPD put their lives on the line for Angelenos each and every day," Bass said. "Sgt. Deng served L.A. for more than 25 years. His last act was one of service -- putting the safety and well-being of others above all else. ... My thoughts are with Sgt. Deng's family during this devastating time."
Gov. Gavin Newsom also offered condolences, noting Deng's 17 years with the LAPD's Mental Evaluation Unit.
"We join his family, friends, and fellow officers in mourning, and in honoring his memory," Newsom said. "May his service never be forgotten."
Deng is survived by his wife and parents.
Around 9 a.m. Monday, dozens of LAPD officers gathered at the Westwood hospital for a procession escorting Deng's body to the Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner in Boyle Heights.
Flags at city buildings would be lowered to half-staff in Deng's honor, Bass said.
The governor later announced that flags at the state Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space would also be lowered to half-staff to honor Deng.