Malibu Canyon Road woke up to heartbreak Wednesday morning. Hunter Langley, a 16-year-old student and athlete, was killed after a Tesla left the roadway and went down the canyon. The loss hit fast and deep, especially for those who knew him best.
The crash was reported around 7:40 a.m., just north of Potter Drive. Firefighters rushed in after calls came in about a car going over the side of the road. The canyon is steep there, with little room for error, and crews had to work carefully along the embankment.
Authorities later confirmed the vehicle was a 2018 Tesla Model S. Hunter was found at the scene and was pronounced dead there. No one else was reported hurt in the crash.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the victim as Hunter Langley. He was 16. Officials have not released further personal details, choosing instead to focus on the investigation and the family’s privacy.
Hunter was a student-athlete at Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth. He played varsity football for the Trailblazers and was part of a tight-knit sports community. After his death was confirmed, the school canceled all athletic events for the day, including the Mission League boys’ basketball final. It was a quiet pause to honor one of their own.
Malibu Canyon Road is known to locals as both scenic and unforgiving. It connects the Pacific Coast Highway to the San Fernando Valley and is lined with sharp curves, steep drops, and narrow lanes. The stretch near Potter Drive has seen serious crashes before, and it remains a challenging drive even for experienced motorists.
Los Angeles County Fire Department crews and California Highway Patrol officers worked the scene throughout the morning. Traffic slowed as investigators examined what may have caused the Tesla to leave the road. Officers have not said whether speed, road conditions, or mechanical issues played a role.
The investigation is still active. For now, a school community is grieving, teammates are mourning, and a family is facing an unthinkable loss. Malibu Canyon Road, once again, became the setting for a tragedy that will not be forgotten.
