In the quiet early hours of Saturday, a life full of promise ended on the northbound lanes of the Interstate 405 (“San Diego Freeway”) just south of Burbank Boulevard in the Sherman Oaks area. At around 3:30 a.m., 33-year-old Brittany Anthony found herself caught in a tragic series of collisions that would claim her life—and remind everyone on the road how fragile our tomorrow can be.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Brittany was driving a Mazda sedan northbound when it was involved in an initial crash. The vehicle ended up disabled and facing the wrong way in a traffic lane south of Burbank Boulevard. From there, what might have seemed like a manageable incident turned catastrophic: a Ford-type SUV sideswiped the Mazda, and shortly after a Toyota SUV struck Brittany’s car head-on. Brittany was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say the Toyota driver—identified as 37-year-old Mayra Alejandra Sanchez of Granada Hills—was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. The identity of the Ford driver has not been released publicly, and the crash remains under investigation.
Brittany’s death is a stark reminder of how swiftly circumstances can change when a car is stranded on a crowded freeway. What may have started as a minor collision escalated into a fatal moment, one in which her life—her relationships, dreams, and future—ended far too soon. Friends and family remember Brittany as kind-hearted, loving, and full of life. While details about her hometown or where she lived weren’t included in official reports, her loss is deeply felt.
Authorities closed the northbound 405 for several hours. A SigAlert was issued around 3:47 a.m. and was later cancelled, with traffic slowly returning to normal. That pause in motion underlines just how serious the crash was, and how quickly everything can shut down when a single vehicle is vulnerable in the wrong place.
As the investigation continues, law-enforcement is urging drivers to stay vigilant—especially in the early morning hours—and to never assume a disabled vehicle is safe just because the lanes look quiet. Impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal crashes in California and across the United States, and each incident is a harsh wake-up call.
In memory of Brittany Anthony—and for the many who navigate our freeways daily—this tragedy stands as both a tribute and a warning: cherish the ones you love, and remember that every decision behind the wheel matters.
