Just wanted to post this, this is my friend who passed away this morning at 1am. He will be greatly missed by everyone around here, especially by his family, brother, sister, and friends. Connor was such a great kid, barely 21 and living life. I just saw him this last weekend at work, my last words to him was "see you around, take care bro". I guess i was really saying goodbye to him in reality. I don't understand why this had to happen to him of all people. I was driving to work this morning and I heard about Connors passing on the radio and kinda freaked out hearing his name on the radio.

RIP Connor Penhall #81 you'll be missed dearly.



BALDWIN PARK, Calif. (KTLA) -- An investigation is underway after a worker for Caltrans was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver onthe 10 Freeway in Baldwin Park.

The victim has been identified as 21-year-old Connor Penhall, of Corona, who was working as a subcontractor with Caltrans.

He was the son of well-known film and television actor and World Speedway champion Bruce Penhall, who was at the scene Thursday morning.

The Penhall family owns Penhall Co., located in Anaheim, which does concrete cutting.

Connor followed in his father's footsteps in the racing world. He had been racing motorcycles since 2003, wearing the number 81.

His brother, Ryan Penhall, is also a motorcycle racer. He posted to his Twitter account at 1 a.m. Thursday, saying, "You never know what you have till you lose it.. Don't call me."

The accident happened around 11:35 p.m. on the westbound 10 Freeway at Francisquito Avenue, according to the CHP.

The CHP says the 10 is closed nightly between La Puente Avenue and the 605 Freeway.

The closure had been in effect for about an hour when a motorist -- identified as 37-year-old Sakamoto Tatsuhiko, of Arcadia -- went through the cones.

He struck Penhall in his Toyota RAV4 while driving about 60 mph, tossing him 50 to 75 feet. Penhall was declared dead at the scene.

Tatsuhiko initially tried to flee, but officers were able to keep him at the scene, CHP Officer Edmund Zorilla said.

He was arrested on suspicion of DUI and booked at the Industry Sheriff's Station.

Tatsuhiko could also face charges of vehicular manslaughter.

CHP Southern Division offered its sympathies to the Penhalls via Twitter, saying: "Our condolences to our brother Bruce Penhall and his family. Your extended CHP family mourns along with you. Rest in peace @ConnorPenhall."

The westbound 10 was completely shut down at La Puente after the accident. It reopened around 6 a.m