Victim Identified in Fatal Santa Monica Beach SUV Accident

Authorities have identified the woman who was tragically killed after being run over by an SUV near the Santa Monica Pier last week. The victim, 34-year-old Sherese Allen, died from traumatic asphyxia, according to the Medical Examiner’s office. Police have indicated that Allen was believed to be homeless at the time of the incident.

The fatal accident occurred late Thursday night, when police were called to the 1400 block of the beach after receiving reports of a “vehicle stuck in the sand” around 11:30 p.m. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered Allen wedged beneath an Infiniti SUV, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

Emergency responders from the Santa Monica Fire Department attempted to assist Allen, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Firefighters used specialized equipment to lift the vehicle and remove her body from underneath the SUV. The tragic accident shocked those nearby, and witnesses have come forward with more information.

According to witnesses, the driver of the SUV, 21-year-old Yuyang Sun from Arcadia, had been recklessly driving in circles at high speeds on the sand prior to the accident. This reckless behavior ultimately led to Allen’s death, raising concerns about the dangers posed by such irresponsible driving in public spaces.

Sun was arrested shortly after the incident and is now facing multiple charges, including driving under the influence, reckless driving, and gross vehicular manslaughter. He is currently being held at the Santa Monica Police Department, with his bail set at $100,000.

Sun is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday for his arraignment. The case has drawn attention to the need for greater safety measures in pedestrian and recreational areas like the Santa Monica Pier, where tourists and beachgoers frequently gather. Public safety advocates are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws in these areas to prevent further tragedies.