MALIBU—A longtime chef at Nobu Malibu was killed after a teen driver crashed into his parked car on Pacific Coast Highway on Saturday, October 3, around 7 a.m. The crash happened in the 22600 block of PCH near Carbon Canyon Road, just west of the restaurant.
Authorities identified the victim as 51-year-old Ryo Uchimiya, a sushi chef who worked at Nobu Malibu for 25 years. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, a 16-year-old boy was driving a gray Range Rover eastbound when the SUV struck Uchimiya’s car on the shoulder. The impact pushed his car into another parked vehicle, which was then forced into a third. Uchimiya was pronounced dead at the scene.
Uchimiya had reportedly arrived early for a catering job in Santa Monica and fallen asleep in the back seat of his car after working at the restaurant the night before. The California Highway Patrol issued a Sigalert at 7:51 a.m., closing two lanes of PCH while deputies investigated.
Sheriff’s investigators said there was no indication the teen was driving under the influence, though it remains unclear whether he will face charges. Investigators are still investigating the cause of the crash.
Nobu Malibu closed Saturday following Uchimiya’s death, and notes and flowers were left outside the restaurant in his memory. The restaurant’s manager said staff are doing what they can to support his family. People who live and work nearby said the stretch of PCH is known for drivers going well above the speed limit.
