Nobu chef killed after teen driver crashes into parked car in California
Maine News Now – California Update
Fatal crash on Pacific Coast Highway claims longtime Nobu Malibu chef
A 51‑year‑old sushi chef who had spent 25 years at the famed Nobu restaurant in Malibu, California, was killed when a teenage driver crashed a Range Rover into his parked sedan at dawn. The incident took place early Saturday morning on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and is currently under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The victim, Ryo Uchimiya, had been preparing for a catering assignment when he parked his car along the curb and fell asleep in the vehicle. Around 6:50 a.m., a 16‑year‑old driver was seen speeding in a Range Rover and struck Uchimiya’s sedan from the rear. Surveillance footage captured the collision, which set off a chain reaction that pushed the parked car into two additional vehicles ahead.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, Uchimiya died from “multiple blunt‑force injuries.” The examiner ruled the death an accident. Investigators have found no evidence that the teenage driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Whether the youth will face charges remains to be determined.
“It’s been a very, very difficult day for so many people,” said the restaurant’s manager. “He was a real nice guy, very talented chef.” A fellow Nobu chef echoed the sentiment: “He was a real nice guy, very talented chef. It’s such a shame.” A hostess at the restaurant told reporters that staff members were still grappling with the loss: “We’re not ready to talk about it now. We all need time.”
Witnesses described the teenager as “shocked and confused” after the collision. “I heard throughout the day that maybe he didn’t even have a license,” one observer said. “He’s a young kid. He looked very young and very confused and his parents didn’t even show up to find him. He was sitting there for two hours by himself.” The teenage driver’s parents have not yet appeared at the scene.
The crash occurred in an area of PCH that has long been flagged for dangerous driving conditions. In November 2023, the Malibu City Council declared a local emergency after a speeding driver killed four Pepperdine University students on the same stretch of highway. The incident underscores the ongoing concerns about speeding and reckless behavior along the corridor.
Uchimiya was remembered by colleagues and loved ones as a devoted husband and father of two, as well as a highly skilled chef who had made significant contributions to the restaurant’s reputation. His family and coworkers are receiving support from the “family of staffers” at Nobu Malibu, the restaurant’s manager noted.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is continuing its investigation. Updates on potential charges against the teenage driver will be released as the inquiry progresses.