Driver Who Immolated Herself Is Identified

Authorities Wednesday identified a woman who committed suicide by dousing herself with gasoline and lighting a match as Andrea Nieto, 34, of Norwalk.

Sheriff’s Department investigators said the woman had grown increasingly despondent over the death of a relative three years ago and had taken to driving aimlessly for hours each day.

It was apparently during one of these drives Monday that she decided to take her life.

“She had no history of mental illness, but she had become very withdrawn,” said Deputy Bruce Thomas. Family members told police that they had unsuccessfully urged Nieto to seek counseling.

It was just before dawn, at 5:30 a.m., when Nieto drove the family car into a Mobil station at Rosecrans Avenue and Studebaker Road. Clerks told investigators that she paid for her gas and began pumping. They called 911 when they saw her pull the nozzle from the car and began pouring fuel on her body.