Teen driver crashes into parked car, killing longtime Nobu chef in Malibu

A 51-year-old chef who had worked for the Nobu restaurant chain for 25 years was killed Saturday morning in Malibu when his parked car was hit by a Range Rover driven by a 16-year-old. The chef, identified by the Los Angeles medical examiner as Ryo Uchimiya, was sleeping in his vehicle while waiting for his shift to begin.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s sergeant John Addington said the teen appeared to be speeding when he crossed the road’s fog line and collided with Uchimiya’s car at about 6:50 a.m. Police found no evidence of intoxication, and the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. No charges have been filed pending a continuing investigation.

The incident occurred on a stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway that is considered one of California’s most hazardous, averaging four traffic-related deaths per year over the past decade. The highway has seen several high-profile crashes, including a 2023 incident in which a driver exceeding 100 mph struck three parked cars, killing four college students.

Nobu Malibu’s manager said staff members are supporting the chef’s family after the “very, very difficult day.”