Malibu, CA - Nobu Employee Ryo Uchimiya, 51, Killed After Teen Driver Crashes Into Parked Car on PCH

Malibu, CA (October 3, 2026) - Ryo Uchimiya, a 51-year-old employee of the Nobu restaurant in Malibu, was killed early Saturday morning after a 16-year-old driver crashed into his parked car on Pacific Coast Highway, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

The crash occurred near 22600 Pacific Coast Highway at about 6:53 a.m., the LASD reported. Investigators determined that the teen was driving a gray Range Rover SUV eastbound on PCH when he struck a vehicle parked on the eastbound shoulder.

Uchimiya had arrived at the restaurant early and was sleeping in the parked car at the time of the collision, according to the LASD. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities said there were no signs of impairment by the driver, who remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. It has not been released whether the 16-year-old had a valid driver's license. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station at 818-878-1808.

This is a developing story. Details may change as the investigation continues.

Your Legal Questions After a Fatal Car Crash in Malibu, CA

Who can be held responsible when a driver strikes a parked vehicle?

The driver of the moving vehicle generally bears responsibility. Investigators will examine speed, attentiveness, and whether anything obstructed the driver's view.

Can the family file a claim even though the driver is a minor?

Yes. A minor driver's parents or guardians can be held liable under California's parental responsibility laws, and the vehicle owner's insurance applies regardless of the driver's age.

Does it matter that police have not filed charges?

No. A civil claim for damages is separate from any criminal proceeding. The family does not need to wait for charges to pursue a wrongful death or survival claim.

How long does the family have to file a claim?

California law requires wrongful death claims to be filed within two years of the date of death (CCP 377.60). For this crash, that deadline is October 3, 2028.

What can a wrongful death claim cover?

It covers loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral and burial costs, and the pain and suffering the victim experienced before death through a separate survival action.

Contact Our Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys

Christian Contreras founded his law practice in Los Angeles with a focus on wrongful death, civil rights, and serious personal injury cases. The firm has recovered more than $200 million for clients, including a $5 million wrongful death settlement and multiple seven-figure results involving fatal crashes across Southern California.

When a family loses someone the way the Uchimiya family lost Ryo, the insurance process starts whether they are ready or not. Christian Contreras Law steps in to handle the insurer, preserve the physical evidence and electronic data from both vehicles, retain accident reconstruction experts when needed, and take the case to trial if the insurance company will not offer a fair resolution. Learn more about how our Los Angeles personal injury attorney team handles serious and fatal crash cases.

Families who have lost someone in a car crash in Malibu or anywhere in Southern California need a firm that has already won the cases insurers try hardest to underpay. Here is what sets the Law Offices of Christian Contreras apart:

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Our Los Angeles office at 360 E 2nd St, 8th Floor, serves families across Malibu and all of Southern California. Call (866) 836-6588, visit us in person, or reach out through our contact form, and a member of our team will get back to you.

Legal Disclaimer

This page is attorney advertising and is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Incident information is based on publicly available reports and may change as the investigation continues. The Law Offices of Christian Contreras is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any law enforcement or emergency response agency. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, and no outcome is promised or implied.