Sheriff’s Motorcycle Deputy Thomas Albanese Killed in Lakewood Crash
Deputy Thomas Albanese Killed in Lakewood Crash at Del Amo and Paramount Boulevards
Lakewood, California (February 25, 2021) – 41-year-old Thomas J. Albanese, a Los Angeles County sheriff’s motorcycle deputy, died Thursday morning after being involved in an accident at the intersection of Del Amo and Paramount boulevards in Lakewood, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The 7-year veteran of the department collided with a silver Mercedes-Benz sedan at the intersection just before 9:00 a.m.
According to Sheriff Alex Villanueva, the deputy was northbound on Paramount and was attempting to stop a speeding car some distance in front of him when the sedan, which was westbound on Del Amo, entered the intersection.
The deputy’s motorcycle collided with the Mercedes.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Killed in Lakewood Crash
Albanese was ejected from his bike and died instantly, as per the sheriff’s department.
Today, I am saddened to announce that an @LASDHQ motor deputy was killed in a traffic collision this morning near Del Amo blvd and Paramount Blvd. This is all the info I can share at this time. Please be patient as we gather facts. We will hold a news conference soon.
— Alex Villanueva (@LACoSheriff) February 25, 2021
I can confirm this appears to be an unfortunate accident. The accident occurred around 9:00 AM. The @LASDHQ and I will be holding a news conference at @LKDLASD station at 1:00 PM to provide more details.
— Alex Villanueva (@LACoSheriff) February 25, 2021
The Mercedes driver, only identified as a woman, sustained unspecified injuries and was treated at the scene.
The female driver was on a green light at the time of the crash and was attempting to turn onto Paramount, as per a local news source.
At the time of the crash, Albanese was working overtime in Lakewood. He had realized his dream of becoming a motorcycle deputy for about a year and was assigned to the Pico Rivera Station, Villanueva said.
Albanese’s colleagues and friends are sending their condolences to the deputy’s family.
Tragic news about the passing of Dep. Albanese. Our thought and prayers to his family and our sisters and brothers of the @LACoSheriff.
— Johnson Co KS Sheriff (@JOCOSHERIFF) February 26, 2021
We served together in Iraq. I’m not surprised by his career path – he had an unmistakable grin and was always a decent human being to me and my fellow Marines. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
— Tegan G. (@TeganG_) February 26, 2021
My condolences to you, your department and to Deputy Thomas Albanese’s family and friends.
— Jeff Vaughn (@JeffVaughn) February 26, 2021
Albanese, who joined the sheriff’s department in July 2013, also worked as a training officer at the Men’s Central Jail, the Transit Services Bureau, and at the Lakewood station.
Before Albanese joined the sheriff’s department, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 10 years, including four tours to Iraq.
Deputy Albanese is survived by his wife of 12 years, Erica, and their two sons.
A gofundme page has been created to raise funds to support his family following the tragedy.
