An off-duty Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department sergeant was killed in a single-car crash late Thursday in Valencia, according to multiple reports. The incident took place around 11 p.m. near the corner of McBean Parkway and Valencia Boulevard, a collision that left the community mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant. Sgt. Jason Viger, identified by the Sheriff's Department, was a seasoned law enforcement professional with a vast array of experience across several bureaus within the department.
The 43-year-old sergeant worked notably in the Homicide Bureau at the time of his death. He had served in positions within the North County Correctional Facility, the Palmdale Station, Lancaster Station, and the Narcotics Bureau since joining the department in 2008. Sergeant Viger was also the first leader of the North County Team of the Opioid Overdose Response Task Force, which was formed in response to the fentanyl epidemic, reported The Signal. His commendations included contributions to the Skirball Fire, efforts in narcotics, and work to take guns off the streets.
Details concerning the crash are limited, but it was confirmed that Sgt. Viger was pronounced dead at the scene, whereas an unidentified woman was taken to a hospital for her injuries, according to KTLA News. At this time, the investigation is still ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed whether impairment was a factor in the crash.
Los Angeles County Fire Department officials, who arrived swiftly at the crash site following a call to action, explained that the crash involved Viger's vintage Chevy Nova, which was seen leaving a mall parking lot and accelerating rapidly before crossing into oncoming traffic and colliding with a tree, according to a witness statement provided to The Signal. The legacy Viger leaves behind extends beyond the badge; he notably enjoyed golf and cherished watching his children play sports.
"We are deeply saddened to announce the tragic death of one of our valued department members, Homicide Bureau Sgt. Jason Viger, who was tragically killed in an off-duty vehicle traffic collision," Sheriff Robert Luna said in a statement echoed across news outlets. Sgt. Viger is survived by his parents, four children, and three siblings — one of whom is also a sergeant with LASD, as reported by CBS News. "His untimely passing has profoundly impacted our department," Sheriff Luna added.
