A week after a 76-year-old pedestrian was fatally struck by a bus near LAX, authorities have identified the man as David Roper, while questions remain about the predawn collision on a busy Westchester corridor. Roper was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity release is the first major update since the July 23 crash.
The collision was reported around 2:03 a.m. on July 23 at Sepulveda Boulevard and 98th Street, according to LAPD information cited by Westside Current. Police said the bus was traveling northbound in the third lane when it struck Roper as he moved west across the roadway. Initial reports indicated he may have been crawling across the street, but the exact circumstances remain under investigation.
Crash Happened Along Active LAX Construction Corridor
Video from the scene showed construction underway near the crash site. Los Angeles World Airports has said the surrounding Sepulveda corridor is being rebuilt as part of a roadway project that includes a future pedestrian bridge at Century Boulevard, with the stated goal of improving pedestrian access, safety and traffic flow.
The agency had scheduled a full northbound closure of Sepulveda between Century Boulevard and 98th Street on July 18 and 19 as crews advanced the bridge work. Hoodline previously reported that the project will bring additional lane restrictions and construction impacts around LAX. The available reporting does not establish that the construction caused or contributed to the fatal collision.
LAPD And LAX Police Continue Investigation
LAPD and LAX police are investigating the crash, according to the report from Westside Current. The available reports did not identify the bus operator or the transit agency involved, and no arrest or criminal charge was reported.
Investigators have not publicly released additional details about the driver's actions, roadway conditions or whether any traffic violations occurred. Until more information is made public, the cause of the collision and any potential responsibility remain unresolved.
