Box truck driver killed in Long Beach after road rage crash

A case of road rage between two drivers in Long Beach ended in a crash that killed a bystander and injured two others.

The Long Beach Police Department said the deadly crash happened at about 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday near 7th Street and Margo Avenue. Police said their preliminary investigation determined that speed and reckless driving caused the deadly collision. 

Investigators said two cars, a Tesla Model 3 and a dark-colored Subaru, were weaving through traffic during an apparent road rage incident. The Tesla rear-ended a box truck that was carrying hazardous materials. The force of the crash sent the box truck through a brick wall and caused it to overturn.

The collision killed the box truck driver and hospitalized two passengers. The Tesla driver was also hospitalized after the crash.

Police said no hazardous materials were released. 

Relatives identified the box truck driver as 61-year-old Jose Cesena Sr. 

"He wasn't just my father; he was my best friend," son Jose Cesena Jr. said. "He taught me everything I know about cars, about the Dodgers, about baseball, about fishing, about service."

Cesena Jr. said he and his dad had tickets for the Dodger game on Thursday. 

"I'd do anything to bring him back, one last hug, one last kiss," Cesena Jr. said. 

Still grieving, Cesena Jr. demanded justice for his father.

"Two reckless people were being irresponsible," Cesena Jr. said. "They took my father's life away. They took my children's grandfather away. It broke my heart. I was mad because nothing's going to bring my father back."

Long Beach PD urged witnesses to contact Detective Ashley Van Holland at (562) 570-7355. Those wishing to stay anonymous can contact LA Crime Stoppers by calling 1(800) 222-8477 or through their website lacrimestoppers.org.