The World Cup crowd was still spilling out of SoFi Stadium on Monday night when a 22-year-old security guard heading home from work was hit by a car near the intersection of Van Ness Avenue and 104th Street. Relatives say the guard, identified as Aaron Avery, worked crowd control at the stadium and had just wrapped up his second day on the job when he was struck after the Iran–New Zealand match. His family later said he was pronounced brain dead.
Details From Hospital and Family
According to CBS Los Angeles, paramedics rushed Avery to the hospital, where doctors determined the following day that he was brain dead. Family members told the outlet that his body was moved to another facility and that his organs were scheduled to be harvested on Saturday because he was registered as an organ donor. Relatives listed the organs they expect to donate and said Avery would “get to save another life.”
Family’s Account of the Crash and the Driver
Avery’s aunt, Norma Quinn, told CBS Los Angeles, “This is a very devastating moment for my family,” describing the fallout as relatives tried to piece together what happened. Avery’s sister, Monique Yates, said she confronted the driver about his explanation. She told CBS the driver claimed he could not see Avery that night, and she recalled him saying, “You say you didn’t see my brother walking because he had on all black.”
Family members also said a Tesla driver struck Avery at around 10:30 p.m. and that officers arrested the driver, according to their account.
World Cup Backdrop and Local Security
The collision took place against the backdrop of heightened security for World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium, where federal and local agencies have been coordinating crowd, transit and airspace enforcement. The Los Angeles Times has reported on increased measures that include drone enforcement around stadiums, while security game plan coverage has focused on local preparations for match-day operations. Monday’s Iran–New Zealand match at SoFi was listed on tournament schedules and drew a large crowd, according to The Guardian.
Legal Status
Relatives said officers arrested the driver, though initial media reports did not make clear whether prosecutors had filed charges. The family has said they want accountability while also preparing for Avery’s organ donation to move forward. At the time of the family’s account, formal charging information had not yet appeared in local reports.
