What Happened

At around 6:50 AM on Saturday, October 3, a Range Rover heading east on PCH struck the back of Uchimiya's parked sedan near the 22600 block, down the road from the restaurant, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The impact pushed his car forward into two other parked vehicles, setting off a chain-reaction crash.

Surveillance footage of the collision shows the SUV drifting from the right lane toward the shoulder moments before impact. Uchimiya, 51, who was in the back seat, died at the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner listed the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries.

The Range Rover's driver was a 16-year-old boy. Sheriff's investigators said he appeared to be speeding, but there was no indication he was under the influence. He stayed at the scene. One witness said she had heard he may not have had a license, but authorities have not confirmed that. Due to his age, he has not been publicly named.

The Vehicle and the Investigation

DMV records show the 2026 Land Rover was leased to Harry Gregson-Williams, the British film composer behind the scores for "Shrek," "The Martian," and "Gladiator II." It is still unclear how the teen is connected to him or why he was driving. In a brief comment, Gregson-Williams said the family was grieving, just as Uchimiya's family is.

No charges have been filed. The investigation remains open, and sheriff's officials have not said whether the teen will face charges.

Who Can Be Held Responsible

In California, legal responsibility for a crash like this can reach beyond the driver. State law allows a vehicle's owner to be held liable, up to set limits, when someone they have allowed to drive causes a crash. Parents or guardians who signed a minor's driver's license application can also share responsibility for that teen's driving. If the teen was unlicensed and someone knowingly let him take the wheel anyway, a negligent entrustment claim could follow. 

What Comes Next for His Family

Uchimiya leaves behind his wife and two sons. Friends described him as a devoted father who taught his boys to ski, loved climbing, and dreamed of opening his own restaurant in Long Beach. Nobu Malibu closed after his death, and coworkers left flowers, notes, and origami cranes near the crash site.

Under California law, a spouse and children may bring a wrongful death claim for the financial support and companionship they lost. That loss of companionship, which the law also recognizes for injured victims' families through loss of consortium claims, is often the heart of these cases. Families generally have two years from the date of death to file.

Our deepest condolences go to Ryo Uchimiya's wife, his sons, and everyone at Nobu Malibu who worked alongside him.

If you or someone you love has been hurt or killed in a crash caused by a speeding or inexperienced driver, the independent attorneys we connect you with can help you understand who may be responsible and what compensation your family may be owed.

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