“Captain Shepard joined our department as a firefighter in 2006 and steadily promoted through the ranks. He leaves behind his wife, four sons, two daughters, and seven grandchildren. He loved his family, fishing, running, hiking, traveling, and working on cars,” according to a statement by LACoFD.
Shepard’s wife, Cathy, released a statement through LACoFD that said: “Mike was a dedicated husband, father and fire captain. He was the source of love, comfort, protection and joy to the entire family. It is with grieving hearts that we have lost him, but we are forever grateful for each minute we spent with him.”
The fatal collision happened around 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, on the 14 Freeway just south of Sand Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The Caltrans vehicle — a GMC3500 with a dump truck bed that was part of a sweeper operation — was traveling within the northbound center median when it was rear-ended by Shepard’s Jeep, the CHP reported.
Shepard, an Agua Dulce resident and captain at Fire Station 132 in Canyon Country, sustained fatal injuries. The driver of the Caltrans vehicle suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Henry Mayo Memorial Hospital for treatment, according to the CHP.
The crash shut down the carpool and number one lanes until about 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23. Caltrans reported that the closures had caused an eight-mile, 90-minute traffic backup.
Previous related story: One person dead, Caltrans worker hurt in crash on 14 Freeway in Santa Clarita
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SSgt. D. says
He was my Cousin… Although CHP is still investigating, it is believed that he had a massive Heart Attack (NOT Distracted Driving!), and may have hit the accelerator instead of the brake. (Also, they think he may have already been dead when he hit the truck?) Heart problems ran in his family, and his Father passed away from a heart attack at about/almost the same age as he was. He was a Great Father, Great Captain, and a Great Man!
FO says
We still can’t figure out why a CHP wasn’t following CalTrans truck going that slow with lights flashing. If there was one how did he get between them? So sad. Prayers for families involved.
14 Freeway Crash says
“The fatal collision happened around 11:15 a.m.”
Distracted driving.
Phillip says
How would you know that? Were you there to see that He was distracted? Who cares anyways why it happened? The fact is a his life was lost.
Collision says
“The driver of the Caltrans vehicle suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Henry Mayo … according to the CHP.”
At least no one else was seriously injured or killed by Mr. Shepherd’s poor driving.
J-rod says
You would want to know why it happened if your family member or friend was in the caltrans vehicle. Right???
OG says
Maybe he was distracted maybe he suffered a heart attack, RIP! let the man rest!