Vigil held for 2 victims of deadly Hyde Park crash; daughter of one of the victims now in coma

HYDE PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Family and friends gathered Saturday evening to remember two men who were killed in a crash in Hyde Park that also left a child injured.

The crash happened Friday morning near 78th Street and Crenshaw Boulevard. Police said the victims were making a left turn on 78th Street when they were struck by another vehicle, causing them to crash into a parked car. The two men died at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle remained at the scene, police said.

Among those attending the vigil was Josué Sanchez, who said his friend, 35-year-old Alvaro Castillo, known as "Tito," was one of the victims.

"I grew up with him. We're childhood friends," Sanchez said. "We live right across the street from each other. He was a good individual, you know, very loving, very caring, loved the community, helped out, everyone knew him. He was a good guy. It's just sad he passed away under these circumstances."

Sanchez said Castillo's 4-year-old daughter was also in the car at the time of the crash. She was taken to a hospital and is now in a coma. A GoFundMe created for Castillo has raised over $12,000.

Surveillance video from Crenshaw Mini Mart at 78th Street and Crenshaw Boulevard captured what appeared to be two vehicles speeding down Crenshaw Boulevard seconds before the collision.

Witness Barbara Boche described hearing the crash.

"They were going so fast ... You could hear the sound, then all of a sudden, you just hear 'Boom!'" she said. "Everybody heard it. Everybody ran out."

Another witness, Ken Smith, said he heard the impact and immediately went outside.

"We heard the boom, I stepped out, we stepped to the front, and the car was flipped over down on 78th street," Smith said.

Neighbors said speeding is a frequent problem along Crenshaw Boulevard. They also noted that a recently added traffic island has affected left turns in the area and expressed hope that measures can be taken to prevent future crashes.

"It's a sad situation ... something needs to be done," Smith said. "I'm not an engineer, but I know the city needs to do something."

Sanchez said the family's immediate focus is on the recovery of Castillo's daughter.

Police said they could not confirm whether street racing was a factor in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.