A routine shopping trip turned into an unimaginable nightmare at a bustling 99 Ranch Market in Westwood, Los Angeles, when a 92-year-old woman’s silver Mercedes sedan veered out of control and smashed through the store’s front windows, claiming three innocent lives and injuring six others.

The tragedy struck around noon on Thursday, February 5, 2026, on the busy corner of Westwood Boulevard and Rochester Avenue. Authorities report that the elderly driver first struck a bicyclist about a block away, losing control before accelerating into the Asian supermarket’s bakery section. The impact was catastrophic, shattering glass and sending debris flying as the vehicle plowed into shoppers and employees alike.

Among the victims was 28-year-old Zih Dao, a customer who was inside the store at the fateful moment. Zih Dao was pronounced dead at the scene alongside two store employees. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed his identity shortly after, while the third victim’s name remains withheld pending family notification. Two of the deceased were confirmed as hardworking team members of the 99 Ranch Market chain, which serves the local Asian-American community with groceries and fresh bakery items.

In a statement that has deeply moved the public, Zih Dao’s family revealed the agonizing final moments. As chaos erupted, Zih Dao managed to call his relatives. Over the phone line, his desperate cries for help pierced through the pandemonium—screams of pain and terror that continued until the call abruptly ended. “The cries for help over the phone left our family speechless,” his loved ones shared, describing how the family froze in horror, powerless to intervene as the line went silent forever. This chilling detail has amplified the grief surrounding the incident, painting a vivid picture of a young man’s final struggle amid the destruction.

The 92-year-old driver was taken into custody for evaluation but has not faced immediate charges, with investigations ongoing into factors like medical conditions or mechanical issues. Emergency responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived swiftly, treating the wounded and recovering the bodies under white sheets as bystanders watched in shock. Smoke filled the air, and witnesses described hearing the crash from nearby businesses, followed by screams and the sight of first responders rushing in.

The community has responded with an outpouring of support. A makeshift memorial of flowers and candles now grows outside the damaged store, where mourners leave notes of condolence. 99 Ranch Market issued a heartfelt statement expressing profound sorrow and commitment to supporting the affected families and employees during this devastating time.

This incident has reignited discussions about road safety for elderly drivers, vehicle control in urban areas, and protective measures like bollards in front of storefronts. For Zih Dao’s family, the pain is raw and ongoing—the echo of those final cries a haunting reminder of how quickly life can end in an ordinary place. As the investigation continues, many hope for answers and reforms to prevent such preventable heartbreak from claiming more lives.