Heartbreak ripples through the Lawndale community following the tragic death of 35-year-old Cody Sanders, a beloved father, fiancé, and environmental inspector who was killed in a suspected DUI crash on Monday, August 11, 2025.
Sanders was on his way to his first job of the day, having just left the office of JLM Environmental, when his vehicle was struck less than 100 yards away from his workplace. Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) responded to the fatal three-car collision at the intersection of Grevillea Avenue and Marine Avenue just after 7:30 a.m. Sanders was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the second vehicle involved in the crash—who was hospitalized after the incident along with two passengers—is now facing criminal charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Authorities confirmed that the driver was under the influence at the time of the crash. The identity of the suspect has not yet been publicly released.
A third vehicle was struck in the crash but was unoccupied.
Cody Sanders is survived by his fiancée, Lizette Alvarado, and their two young children. Loved ones described him as a devoted father with a “goofy, nerdy” sense of humor, someone who always made those around him feel at ease. His unexpected death has left a painful void in the lives of his family, coworkers, and friends.
“We were engaged. We had plans on getting married. Now I’m never going to get married,” Lizette said tearfully in an interview. “I didn’t even get to say goodbye to him that morning.”
Those who worked with Sanders at JLM Environmental have been especially affected. With the crash site just steps from their office, many coworkers say his presence will continue to be felt—and deeply missed—each day.
“I think the world’s been robbed,” said colleague Aaron Jones. “His family has been robbed. He was an amazing brother, friend, father, fiancé, and coworker.”
In California, criminal charges like gross vehicular manslaughter may result in a prison sentence for the offender, but they do not compensate families for their immense emotional and financial losses. That’s where a civil wrongful death lawsuit comes in.
At Haggard Crime Victim Attorney, a division of The Haggard Law Firm, we work with grieving families to:
Pursue compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and pain and suffering
Investigate whether bars or establishments may have overserved the driver (potential Dram Shop liability)
Help survivors understand and exercise their legal rights during criminal proceedings
Fight for justice through the civil courts, especially when the criminal process alone does not offer closure
No one should lose their life to another person’s irresponsible and preventable decision to drive under the influence. If your loved one was killed in a DUI crash, you have legal rights that can help you seek justice, financial relief, and accountability.
Our experienced attorneys at Haggard Crime Victim Attorney have handled complex DUI wrongful death cases across California and nationwide. We are committed to providing compassionate legal guidance while aggressively advocating for the maximum recovery possible.
If you or someone you love has been affected by a fatal DUI crash in California, don’t wait. Time is critical in preserving evidence and filing claims.
Contact Haggard Crime Victim Attorney today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward justice, accountability, and healing. We are here to fight for families like Cody Sanders’.
Source:
