Nobu Chef Killed by Teen Driver in Malibu Car Crash 2026

A longtime Nobu chef was killed in a tragic Malibu car crash early Saturday morning when a teen driver crashed into his parked vehicle. The 51-year-old chef, identified as Ryo Uchimiya, was sleeping in his car while waiting for his shift to start at Nobu Malibu.

Details of the Fatal Malibu Car Crash

The incident occurred at approximately 6:50 a.m. on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu, California. According to authorities, a 16-year-old boy driving a Range Rover struck Uchimiya's parked vehicle. Sergeant John Addington of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department told the LA Times that the teen appeared to have been speeding.

NBC Los Angeles reported that there were no signs of intoxication, and the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police. No charges have been filed yet, but an investigation is ongoing.

The Deadly History of Pacific Coast Highway

The stretch of PCH that runs through Malibu is notorious for its danger. According to the LA Times, it is one of the deadliest roads in California, averaging four crash-related fatalities per year over the past decade. In 2023, a 24-year-old Malibu man driving a BMW at over 100 mph in a 45 mph zone struck three parked cars, killing four Pepperdine University sorority sisters. He was later charged with murder.

The highway, known as PCH, has also been dotted with construction zones following the 2025 wildfires in the area, potentially adding to hazardous conditions.

Key Takeaways from the Malibu Car Crash

• A 16-year-old driver was reportedly speeding when he crashed into a parked car, killing Nobu chef Ryo Uchimiya.
• The accident occurred on the Pacific Coast Highway, a road with a high rate of fatal crashes.
• The teen driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with authorities; no charges have been filed yet.
• The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not indicated any intoxication.

Comparing Recent Fatal Crashes on PCH

FAQ