Paramount driver killed after vehicle strikes divider, tree

PARAMOUNT, CA — A 21-year-old man was killed after his vehicle crashed into a center divider and tree in Paramount last week, authorities said.

Deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded at approximately 10:57 p.m. July 7 to the intersection of Alondra Boulevard and Minnesota Avenue for a reported single-vehicle traffic collision, according to the Sheriff's Department.

Emergency medical personnel responded and provided aid to the male driver and a female passenger. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the passenger was transported to a nearby hospital, authorities said.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed Tuesday that the female passenger survived the crash and that investigators are no longer pursuing the possibility that another vehicle was involved.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the driver as Edric Rik, 21. The Medical Examiner determined he died from blunt force injuries and ruled his death an accident.

According to the Sheriff's Department, Rik was traveling eastbound on Alondra Boulevard from Minnesota Avenue at a high rate of speed when his vehicle struck the center divider before crashing into a tree.

Investigators said it is unknown whether alcohol was a factor in the collision, though no evidence of alcohol or drugs was found at the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The Sheriff's Department said the investigation is ongoing.

According to a GoFundMe organized by family members, Rik died less than five minutes from his home. The fundraiser says the family is raising money to cover funeral expenses and identifies the female passenger as Rik's girlfriend. Funeral services are scheduled for July 25 at Stricklin Snively Mortuary in Long Beach.