Motorist dies after suffering heart attack while driving

A 59-year-old motorist died after suffering what appeared to be a heart attack while driving in Burbank, police said.

Tim Stevens, who was slated to graduate from Burbank’s community police academy next week, was headed southbound on Victory Place at 9:20 a.m. when he experienced what appeared to have been a heart attack, said Burbank Police Sgt. Darin Ryburn.

His car veered to the left, side-swiping a car driving in the opposite direction, and subsequently veered to the right, grazing a second vehicle waiting at a stop light, Ryburn said. One motorist experienced back pain due to the accident, while the other was not injured.

Stevens’ car then crashed into a fire hydrant and came to rest against an electrical utility pole, Ryburn said.

A witness reportedly smashed Stevens’ car window and attempted to perform CPR until paramedics arrived. Stevens, whose wife volunteers with the police department, was transported to Saint Joseph Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Stevens and her family during her tragic loss,” Ryburn said.

--

Follow Alene Tchekmedyian on Google+ and on Twitter: @atchek.

ALSO:

Burbank gives nod to Nickelodeon expansion