It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Carlos Posada, a beloved son, brother, friend, and community member, who lost his life far too soon on July 20, 2025, at the young age of 29. Carlos was fatally struck in a hit-and-run incident in his hometown of Sylmar, California, a heartbreaking event that has shaken the local community and reignited the urgent conversation around pedestrian safety in Los Angeles.
Carlos was a man of warmth, humility, and quiet strength—known for his infectious smile, thoughtful demeanor, and deep love for his family and friends. He grew up in Sylmar, attending local schools, playing youth soccer at the park, and spending his weekends helping his mother in the garden or working alongside his father on small car repair projects. His roots ran deep in the San Fernando Valley, and he was proud of where he came from.
Professionally, Carlos was a hardworking and dedicated technician who always showed up early and left late, never hesitating to lend a hand or mentor younger colleagues. Outside of work, he had a passion for music, lowrider cars, and cooking with his nieces and nephews—he was the one you could count on to bring homemade tacos to the family gatherings and light up the barbecue at summer cookouts. He cherished time with his loved ones, and his bond with his siblings and close circle of friends was something truly special.
Carlos’ tragic death has left an unimaginable void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. On what seemed to be a regular evening, Carlos was walking home when a vehicle struck him and fled the scene. Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, Carlos succumbed to his injuries. The driver has not yet been identified, and the incident has left his family in anguish, demanding justice and accountability.
This heartbreaking event underscores a growing and deeply concerning trend: the rising number of hit-and-run fatalities in Los Angeles. Sylmar residents, along with advocates for safer streets, have long called for improved infrastructure, better lighting, more pedestrian crossings, and stronger enforcement of traffic laws. Carlos’ passing is not just a personal tragedy—it is a community wake-up call. His family is urging city officials to take immediate action to ensure that what happened to Carlos does not happen to someone else.
Carlos is survived by his heartbroken parents, Maria and Enrique Posada, his two younger sisters Lupita and Marisol, and his older brother Javier, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. They remember him as their protector, their jokester, and their peacemaker—the one who always reminded everyone to slow down, breathe, and cherish each other.
A candlelight vigil in Carlos’ honor will be held at El Cariso Park this Friday evening, where the community will gather to remember his life and call for safer streets in his name. His family has also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and support efforts to raise awareness for pedestrian safety.
Though Carlos’ life was cut tragically short, his memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He deserved so much more—more time, more laughter, more dreams fulfilled. In honoring his life, we must also advocate for change so that no other family has to suffer this kind of preventable loss.
Rest in peace, Carlos Posada. You are deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten. 💔🕊️