Toxicology Report Pending on 19-Year-Old Killed in 91 Freeway Crash in Cerritos

A toxicology report was pending today on the body of 19-year-old Javier Rodriguez, Jr. of Bellflower who died last Thursday when his Jeep flipped over on the Artesia (91) Freeway in Cerritos.

According to Lt. Joe Bale of the Los Angeles Department of Coroner, Rodriguez's autopsy report was being deferred until toxicology tests were completed. 

"It (toxicology results) can take six to eight weeks," said Bale. "Once we get that back, we'll take those results and the examination (of the body) to determine the cause of death."

CHP Public Information Officer Al Perez said it is unclear at this point whether alcohol or drugs was a factor in the solo-vehicle crash. "As far as we know it is unknown if DUI was involved, everything will be determined in the coroner's report," Perez added. 

Rodriguez suffered fatal injuries when he lost control of his 2000 Jeep Wrangler on the westbound 91 Freeway at Shoemaker Avenue about 3:50 p.m. Jan. 5, according to the California Highway Patrol.

According to a CHP statement, the victim was driving on the 91 Freeway "in a northwesterly direction," when his Jeep veered off the roadway, struck a sign and post, went up an embankment, overturned and "came to rest down the embankment along the north edge of the westbound 91 Freeway."

Several motorists nearby stopped to try and help the injured victim, who they say remained strapped inside the jeep which came to rest on its roof.

Rodriguez succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.