Two Mothers Killed After Minivan Crashes Into Los Angeles Metro Station Identified — They Leave Behind Eight Children

Two beloved street vendors who lost their lives after a minivan slammed into a crowded sidewalk near a Los Angeles Metro station have been identified as mothers of three and five children, leaving their families and an entire community devastated.

The victims were identified as 57-year-old Teodora Villalobos and 73-year-old Maria Peck. Both women were among three people killed when a white Toyota Sienna crashed into pedestrians and street vendors near the North Hollywood B Line Metro station on Tuesday evening, November 10, 2026.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the crash happened shortly before 6 p.m. near the intersection of Lankershim Boulevard and Chandler Boulevard. Investigators said the minivan was traveling at an unsafe speed when it suddenly veered off the roadway, mounted the sidewalk and struck several people gathered in the area.

The impact was devastating. Three women died at the scene, while two other women suffered critical injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals.

For years, Villalobos had been a familiar face in the North Hollywood neighborhood. Originally from El Salvador, she was a mother of three who worked tirelessly selling traditional foods, including pupusas, tamales, hot dogs and other homemade meals.

Her daughters described her as a hardworking woman whose generosity extended far beyond her own family. She had spent approximately 20 years selling food at the same intersection, building relationships with customers, neighbors and people who regularly passed through the area.

But what made her especially memorable was her willingness to help those who were struggling.

According to her family, Villalobos frequently gave food to people who could not afford to pay. Her kindness became part of her identity, and many members of the community remembered her not simply as a street vendor, but as someone who genuinely cared about others.

Maria Peck, the second identified victim, was also deeply connected to the neighborhood. A mother of five, she had worked as a street vendor for more than a decade, reportedly spending six days a week serving customers, including on holidays.

Even as she grew older, Peck continued working because she enjoyed interacting with people and being part of the community. Her regular customers had come to know her as a familiar and welcoming presence.

Following the tragedy, residents and customers began gathering near the crash site to leave flowers, candles, photographs and handwritten messages in memory of the women.

One community member recalled how one of the vendors had once given him food when he was homeless and had not eaten for several days. That small act of compassion stayed with him, and he returned to the location after learning about the deadly crash to pay his respects.

Police identified the driver as 61-year-old Ihor Demianenko, a resident of Valley Village, California. He was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence and three counts of murder.

Authorities said he had been driving a white Toyota Sienna when the vehicle veered onto the sidewalk. Reports also indicated that a breath test allegedly showed his blood-alcohol level was approximately twice California’s legal driving limit.

Demianenko sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital before being booked into custody. His bail was initially reported at approximately $6 million, with later court records listing it at $6.03 million.

The identity of the third woman killed had not been publicly released at the time of the latest reports, pending notification of her relatives.

Meanwhile, Villalobos’ family launched an online fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses and other financial burdens following her unexpected death. The fundraiser described her as a loving mother, a familiar face in the neighborhood and a woman remembered for her generous heart.

The tragedy has also renewed conversations about pedestrian safety and the challenges faced by street vendors who work along busy roads. Community members and local officials have called attention to the need for safer designated spaces where vendors can earn a living without being exposed to dangerous traffic.

For the families of Villalobos and Peck, however, the immediate reality is much more personal: two mothers who spent years working hard and caring for others are now gone, leaving behind children, loved ones and countless people whose lives they touched.

What began as an ordinary Tuesday evening turned into an unimaginable tragedy. And as flowers continue to appear near the Metro station, the neighborhood is remembering not just the lives lost, but the kindness and generosity that made these women so special.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, and the driver is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.