Family Remembers Burbank Man Launched Onto Freeway Sign In Deadly 5 Freeway Crash
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Two days after 20-year-old Richard Pananian of Burbank died in a horrific crash on the 5 Freeway in Glendale that launched his body onto a freeway sign, his family said they are mourning the loss of a generous and humble man.
Pananian on Friday was traveling at a high rate of speed in the shoulder of the southbound 5 Freeway when he clipped the back of a pickup truck, causing him to lose control of his Ford Fiesta, which rolled over multiple times. Pananian was not wearing a seat belt and was launched more than 20 feet into the air. He landed on the ledge of the Colorado Street sign.
The crash shocked motorists and Pananian's family members.
"It's hard to believe that he's gone," Pananian's friend Andrew Panosian said.
On Sunday, Pananian's family spoke publicly for the first time about Pananian's character.
"He was a very genuine soul. He was loving and caring," Pananian's cousin, Armen Kardashian said. "He would give to others before taking himself. He was not materialistic."
One of Pananian's passions was working on cars, his family said.
The family said just five days before the accident they sacrificed a lamb to protect Pananian from harm.
The family said on Sunday they have set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to take care of unexpected expenses.
