A Community Grieves the Sudden Loss of 66-Year-Old John Leuders
Long Beach, CA is mourning after authorities confirmed the identity of the pedestrian killed in a tragic collision on Wardlow Road near Norwalk Boulevard. The victim, 66-year-old John Leuders, was struck and fatally injured on the night of November 9, 2025, leaving the community shaken and his loved ones devastated. According to the Long Beach Police Department, Leuders was crossing the roadway outside a designated crosswalk when a white Honda CR-V, driven by a 56-year-old Garden Grove woman, struck him. Despite immediate response from emergency crews, Leuders was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Residents who frequent the intersection described it as a busy stretch—one where a single moment can change everything. For the loved ones of John Leuders, that moment has now become a heartbreaking reality as they face the unimaginable pain of his sudden loss.
Details Emerge as Investigators Work to Understand the Fatal Crash
Authorities say the driver remained at the scene and cooperated fully with the investigation—an important factor that helped establish early findings. Police do not believe speed, distraction, or impairment played any role in the crash, though a thorough investigation remains underway.
Initial reports indicate that Leuders had been crossing outside the crosswalk when the collision occurred. By the time officers arrived, members of the Long Beach Fire Department were already providing aid, but despite their efforts, Leuders could not be saved.
The crash shut down Wardlow Road for hours as investigators worked through the night to piece together what happened. For Long Beach residents, the flashing emergency lights and taped-off roadway were grim reminders of how fragile life truly is.
A Life Cut Short: Honoring the Memory of John Leuders
Loved ones describe John Leuders as a gentle soul, a man who loved his community, appreciated simple joys, and brought warmth to those around him. His sudden death has left an irreplaceable void. Family members are now faced with the heartbreaking reality of planning final arrangements instead of sharing another day with him.
The tragedy also highlights the ongoing need for pedestrian safety awareness—something communities across California continue to struggle with. As Long Beach mourns, many are calling for added crosswalk protections and improved nighttime visibility in high-traffic areas. While those changes may help save future lives, they come too late for John Leuders—a man gone far too soon.
As the investigation continues, one thing is certain: the memory of John Leuders will live on through the hearts of his family, friends, and community members who now carry his story forward.