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Tragic Hit-and-Run Crash in South Los Angeles Claims Life of 32-Year-Old Edgar Cumplido

hit and run bicycle

On the night of Tuesday, July 1, 2025, a devastating hit-and-run accident in South Los Angeles took the life of 32-year-old Edgar Cumplido. The fatal crash occurred just after 10 pm near the intersection of 67th Street and Flower Street. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Cumplido was riding his bicycle eastbound when he was struck by a speeding black Tesla Model X. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene immediately following the collision, leaving Cumplido with critical injuries. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The incident is currently under active investigation, and authorities are offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the driver responsible.

For those affected by this tragedy, Singleton Schreiber is here to help. Contact us today to receive compassionate and experienced legal support.

The High Risks of Car vs Bicycle Collisions and the Grave Impact of Hit-and-Runs

Accidents involving motor vehicles and bicycles are inherently dangerous due to the stark difference in size, speed, and protection between the two. Bicyclists have little to no physical shielding from high-impact collisions, often resulting in life-threatening injuries or death. The dangers are only intensified in hit-and-run scenarios, where the victim is left without immediate medical assistance, significantly increasing the chances of fatal outcomes.

When drivers flee the scene, they not only break the law, they also deny the victim timely emergency care and hinder investigators’ ability to hold the responsible party accountable. These cases underline the urgent need for improved road safety measures and greater awareness around the responsibility drivers have toward all individuals sharing the road.

Legal Rights of Families After Fatal Bicycle Accidents

For families facing the devastating loss of a loved one in a traffic collision, there are legal avenues available, but some depend on the identification of the at-fault party. In the case of Edgar Cumplido, if the hit-and-run driver is found, his family may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim. This type of lawsuit allows the surviving family members to seek compensation for funeral costs, medical expenses, emotional suffering, and the loss of companionship and support

“Crashes like this are heartbreaking,” said Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “When a car hits a cyclist, especially at high speeds, the injuries are often severe or fatal. The sad truth is that bicyclists don’t have the same protection as someone in a car. And when the driver flees the scene rather than stopping to render aid, it can make the outcome even worse. If the driver is located, the family may be able to hold the driver legally accountable and get some financial support to help them through this incredibly difficult time.”

If your family has suffered a loss due to a hit-and-run or another serious accident, Singleton Schreiber can help you understand your rights and explore your legal options. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Nine Killed, Dozens Injured in Fire at Massachusetts Assisted Living Facility

facility on fire

A devastating fire broke out Sunday night, July 14, 2025, at Gabriel House, an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, killing nine residents and injuring many others. The blaze started shortly after 9:30 pm in one wing of the facility, which houses about 70 residents, many of whom are elderly or have mobility challenges.

Emergency crews arrived to find smoke, flames, and residents calling for help from windows. Firefighters and police officers rushed into the building, rescuing over a dozen individuals who could not evacuate on their own. Over 30 residents were transported to area hospitals for evaluation and treatment. One person remains in critical condition.

Fire officials reported that the facility had sprinklers and alarms, but it remains unclear whether all fire safety systems were functioning at the time. The fire was eventually contained, but the damage, particularly from smoke, was significant.

If your family has been affected by this tragic incident, Singleton Schreiber is here to help. Contact our team today for a free consultation.

The Elevated Fire Risks in Assisted Living Facilities and Older Buildings

Fires in assisted living facilities can be especially dangerous due to the vulnerability of the residents. Many individuals in these settings are elderly, disabled, or have medical conditions that limit their ability to escape quickly in an emergency.

Older buildings often pose increased fire risks due to outdated electrical systems, aging fire suppression equipment, and structural vulnerabilities. While facilities like Gabriel House are typically required to meet specific fire code requirements, enforcement and upkeep can fall short, placing residents at risk.

This fire is a sobering reminder of the importance of thorough fire safety inspections, routine maintenance, and effective emergency response plans in care facilities. When something goes wrong in these high-risk environments, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Legal Options for Victims and Their Families

Families who have lost a loved one in this fire, or whose relatives were injured may have legal recourse through wrongful death or personal injury claims. If an investigation reveals that negligence contributed to the fire, like failing wiring, inadequate maintenance, or non-functional alarm or sprinkler systems, those responsible may be held accountable.

“In fires like this, the biggest dangers are smoke inhalation, burns, and delayed rescues, especially when residents have health issues or can’t move quickly,” said Marianna Sarkisyan, attorney at Singleton Schreiber. “We often investigate whether safety systems were working, if staff responded the way they should have, and whether regular maintenance was being done. If corners were cut, the facility, repair crews, or even equipment makers could be held responsible.”

Wrongful death claims can help families seek compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of companionship
  • Pain and suffering of the descendant
  • And more

Personal injury claims may allow survivors to recover damages for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Loss of quality of life
  • And more

Potentially liable parties may include:

  • The property owner or facility operator
  • Maintenance contractors or service providers
  • Equipment manufacturers (in the case of faulty alarms or sprinklers)

At Singleton Schreiber, our attorneys have deep experience handling complex fire-related cases and claims involving care facilities. We are prepared to investigate the facts, work with fire safety experts, and help families pursue justice.

If your loved one was injured or killed in the Fall River fire, contact us today to explore your legal options.

Falling Tree Branch Kills 8-Year-Old, Injures Others During Summer Camp Park Outing in Calabasas, CA

Falling Tree Branch Kills 8-Year-Old, Injures Others During Summer Camp Park Outing in Calabasas, CA

On Wednesday, July 10, 2025, a large tree branch unexpectedly broke off and fell on a group of children participating in a summer camp at a Calabasas park. The group had gathered under a sprawling oak tree near the end of their camp day when the 25- to 30-foot branch collapsed.

An 8-year-old boy was killed in the incident, and four others were injured, including two other children. One of the victims, an 11-year-old girl, sustained a broken leg and had to be airlifted to a nearby hospital. 

Authorities quickly shut down the park’s entrance as investigators began looking into what caused the branch to fall suddenly. 

As the Calabasas community reels from this devastating event, Singleton Schreiber extends its deepest condolences to the family who lost their child and offers legal support to all the affected families. If your family was impacted by this tragedy, call Singleton Schreiber today to learn how we can help. 

Legal Support for Families Affected by the Calabasas Park Accident

When a serious injury or death occurs on public property, it’s important to understand whether the incident could have been prevented and who may be legally responsible. In this case, legal claims may be available to both the family of the child who tragically lost his life and the families of those who were injured. 

For the family of the 8-year-old boy, a wrongful death claim may be appropriate. This claim may be brought against the city, county, or an entity responsible for maintaining the park and ensuring the safety of its trees and public areas. The claim could focus on issues such as negligent tree maintenance, failure to inspect or remove hazardous limbs, or lack of proper oversight during the camp. 

Available damages in a wrongful death claim can include: 

  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of companionship 
  • Pain and suffering
  • And more

Additionally, the families of the injured children may have grounds to pursue personal injury claims. These claims can help recover damages for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • And more

In both cases, potentially responsible parties may include:

  • The city or county responsible for the park
  • A third-party contractor in charge of tree inspections or maintenance
  • The organization operating the summer camp

If you or a loved one was injured in this tragic incident, contact Singleton Schreiber today. We are here to fight for the justice your family deserves. 

Meet Managing Attorney Brett SchreiberBrett Schreiber

Brett Schreiber leads Singleton Schreiber’s Personal Injury and Wrongful Death practice group and has extensive experience holding public agencies accountable when negligence leads to tragedy. He has successfully handled cases involving dangerous conditions on public property and failures in safety oversight, successfully securing justice for families whose lives were changed in an instant. 

As an experienced trial lawyer and advocate, Mr. Schreiber understands both the emotional and legal challenges families face after a devastating loss. He is committed to uncovering the truth, pursuing accountability, and helping clients find a path forward. 

If your child was harmed or your family has suffered an unimaginable loss, contact Brett Scheiber and the Singleton Schreiber team today for compassionate, experienced legal support. 

40-Year-Old Carlin Sheedy and His 9-Year-Old Daughter Jayden Sheedy Killed in Port Orchard House Fire

Port Orchard House Fire

A devastating early morning house fire in Port Orchard, Washington, claimed the lives of 40-year-old Carlin Sheedy and his 9-year-old daughter, Jayden Sheedy, early on the morning of Saturday, July 5, 2025. The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office reported that the fire broke out in a residence shortly before dawn. When emergency crews arrived, the home was already engulfed in flames. 

Despite the firefighter’s efforts, the father and daughter suffered fatal injuries and did not survive. A GoFundMe has been established to help support the grieving family and cover associated expenses. The Kitsap County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official causes of death, and the origin of the fire remains under active investigation. 

If you or someone you love has been harmed in a house fire, contact Singleton Schreiber today for a free consultation. 

Understanding the Risks and Causes of House Fires

House fires can be triggered by a range of factors, from faulty electrical wiring and defective appliances to unattended cooking or improperly maintained heating systems. In some cases, landlord negligence, building code violations, or substandard construction materials may contribute to a fire’s severity or preventable spread. 

Fires that ignite overnight or in the early morning hours are particularly dangerous, as they often catch residents off guard while asleep, leaving limited time to escape. Smoke inhalation, structural collapse, and delayed emergency response can tragically turn a manageable incident into a deadly one. 

“This is a heartbreaking loss for the Port Orchard community,” says Vanessa Waldref, attorney at Singleton Schreiber. “As an advocate for families, my heart goes out to those mourning Carlin and Jayden.

Our firm has helped families across Washington navigate the complex aftermath of house fires, and we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable when tragedy could have been prevented.” 

Legal Recourse After a Fatal House Fire

When a house fire results in a fatality, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim if the fire was caused or worsened by negligence. Potentially liable parties could include:

  • A landlord or property owner, if they failed to provide working smoke detectors, safe wiring, or proper maintenance
  • A utility provider, in cases involving gas or electrical malfunctions
  • Product manufacturers, if the fire was sparked by a defective appliance or device
  • A contractor or builder, if poor construction or code violations played a role in the fire’s spread
  • A neighbor or third party, if the fire was started due to illegal fireworks or negligent behavior during Fourth of July celebrations

Through a wrongful death claim, families may be able to seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, emotional pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic damages. 

If your family has suffered the unimaginable loss of a loved one due to a house fire, contact Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about your rights and how we may be able to help. 

Makawao Woman Killed in Motorcycle Crash in Kahului

Makawao Woman Killed in Motorcycle Crash in Kahului

A 33-year-old woman from Makawao, identified as Riana Lee, was tragically killed in a motorcycle crash on the evening of Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Kahului. The collision occurred around 5:20 pm at the intersection of Wahinepio Avenue and Keopuolani Parkway. 

According to Maui police, Lee was riding a 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 motorcycle westbound on Wahinepio Avenue when a 2023 Kia Soul exited Keopuolani Park and turned eastbound onto the same road. Lee’s motorcycle collided with the front bumper of the Kia, causing the airbags to deploy and throwing her from the motorcycle. She was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and sustained critical injuries. She was transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center, where she later died. 

The driver of the Kia, a 36-year-old woman from Kahului, and her 59-year-old passenger from Wailuku sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene. This marks Maui County’s 13th traffic-related fatality in 2025, a sharp increase from eight fatalities at this point last year, and at least the third fatal crash this year involving a motorcycle or other open-framed vehicle. 

If you or a loved one has been affected by a motorcycle crash, contact Singleton Schreiber today for a free, no-obligation consultation. 

Motorcyclists Face Heightened Risk on Hawaii’s Roads

Motorcyclists remain among the most vulnerable users of Hawaii’s roadways. Without the protection of a vehicle frame, riders are often exposed to the full force of collisions, making even low-speed crashes potentially fatal. Intersections are especially dangerous, where visibility issues and driver misjudgment can lead to deadly left-turn collisions like the one that claimed Riana Lee’s life. 

The absence of a helmet in this case may have contributed to the severity of the injuries, but the root cause appears to be a vehicle turning into the motorcycle’s path, a common scenario in motorcycle accidents across the country. 

“My heart goes out to Riana Lee’s family. We just spent the entire weekend at the Makawao Rodeo,” said Julia Bryant, an Upcountry-based attorney with Singleton Schreiber. “It breaks my heart to know someone in this community won’t have a loved one returning home after this tragedy. We are here to support local families through heartbreak like this, and to help them find answers and accountability.”  

Legal Recourse for Families After Fatal Motorcycle Collisions

When a loved one is killed in a motorcycle crash due to another driver’s negligence, their family may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. These claims can help surviving family members recover compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical bills related to the final injury
  • Loss of future income and financial support
  • Emotional pain, suffering, and loss of companionship

Even when no criminal charges are filed, civil claims can still proceed. An experienced injury attorney can help investigate the crash, collect witness testimony, examine traffic and vehicle data, and hold negligent parties accountable. 

If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one in a preventable crash, don’t wait to get legal support. Contact Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about your rights and legal options. 

Six Injured in Lake Martin Fireworks Explosion Involving Pontoon Boat

Six Injured in Lake Martin Fireworks Explosion Involving Pontoon Boat

A July 4th fireworks display turned catastrophic on Lake Martin in Tallapoosa County, Alabama, when an unpermitted setup exploded aboard a pontoon boat, injuring six people. The blast occurred at approximately 9:14 pm near the Kowaliga Basin in the Blue Creek area. 

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) confirmed the pontoon boat had been modified into a fireworks-launching platform. During the celebration, the fireworks malfunctioned, triggering an explosion. Two individuals, William C. Davis (39) and Aaron L. Kovak (49), was airlifted to UAB Hospital with serious injuries. Four others, Alan J. Simmons (31), Jonathan R. Wilmarth (43), Joshua A. Husted (36), and Matthew Davila (28), were transported to local hospitals for treatment. 

ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division, the State Bureau of Investigation Hazardous Device Unit, and the Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office responded. The Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation into the fireworks-related portion of the incident

If you or someone you love was injured in a fireworks-related explosion, contact Singleton Schreiber for a free legal consultation. 

Why Fireworks on the Water is a Dangerous Combination

Launching fireworks from boats, especially unpermitted, makeshift platforms, is a serious safety hazard. Maritime conditions like unstable surfaces, wind, and proximity to fuel sources only heighten the risks of catastrophic injury. 

In this case, investigators report the fireworks were unpermitted, and the pontoon boat had been modified without safety oversight. When fireworks are not stored, handled, or discharged properly, they can easily misfire or detonate unexpectedly.

“When safety takes a back seat, people get hurt,” says Danielle Ward Mason, attorney of Singleton Schreiber. “Our firm has handled numerous cases involving unpermitted fireworks, hazardous setups, and devastating burns or blast injuries. The consequences are often life-changing. We’re here to help victims recover, rebuild, and hold those responsible fully accountable.”

Legal Recourse Options for Victims 

Victims of this fireworks explosion may have the right to pursue legal claims for compensation. Injuries from fireworks can lead to massive medical expenses, prolonged recovery, emotional trauma, and lost income. 

Potentially liable parties may include:

  • The individual or group responsible for modifying and operating the pontoon boat – for negligence in creating and executing an unpermitted fireworks display
  • The owner of the boat, if different – for allowing the vessel to be used in an unsafe, unauthorized manner
  •  Any supplier or distributor of the fireworks – if a product defect or malfunction contributed to the explosion

Injured parties may be eligible to seek compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Scarring or disfigurement
  • Permanent disability

If you’ve been injured in a fireworks explosion, contact Singleton Schreiber today to speak with an attorney who can evaluate your case and help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.