Youth Dies as 2 Autos Crash on Way to Party

A 16-year-old boy was killed on the Glendale Freeway in a traffic accident involving two autos headed to a party Sunday night, the California Highway Patrol reported Monday.

The victim was identified as Michael Gold of Los Angeles, a coroner’s spokesman said.

Gold was riding in a Volkswagen van that was following a car to a party in Los Angeles when the van collided with the car, CHP Officer Tami Low said.

The accident occurred about 7:15 p.m. on the southbound Glendale Freeway north of Holly Drive, Low said. Six youths, ages 14 to 17, were riding in the van and the car.

As the two vehicles headed down a hill, the 16-year-old girl who was driving the car braked to avoid moving too far ahead of the van, Low said. But she lost control of the car, spinning into the center divider and striking the van, which overturned and threw Gold to the pavement, Low said.

A passenger in the van and two passengers in the car sustained minor injuries, Low said. Gold was pronounced dead at the scene.