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Driver May Have Suffered Heart Attack Before Deadly Crash

LONG BEACH (CBS) — An autopsy is pending Sunday on a Lakewood man who may have suffered a heart attack before a deadly wreck that claimed the lives of his wife, 11-year-old son and a family friend.

Ventura_Crash20112506
(credit: Johnny Corona)

The coroner's office says the 53-year-old driver identified as Phet Chansky, who had a history of heart disease, veered his pickup truck off the northbound Ventura (101) Freeway, crashing into a tree near Mussel Shoals about 3:30 a.m. Saturday.

Chansky's wife, 40-year-old Holly Hamm and their 11-year-old son, Eric Chansy, were declared dead at the scene. Family friend, 40-year-old Monica Sara Sang, died at a hospital, authorities said.

The couple's 13-year-old son survived the accident with moderate physical injuries, including a broken arm.

The family was heading out of town towing an aluminum fishing boat when the accident occurred.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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