Nobu Malibu Chef Killed in Crash With Parked Car on PCH

A longtime chef at Nobu Malibu was killed after a teenage driver crashed into his parked car on Pacific Coast Highway in California, according to local authorities and reports. Ryo Uchimiya, 51, had worked as a sushi chef at the well-known Japanese restaurant for 25 years. His death has shaken coworkers, loved ones and others familiar with the dangerous stretch of road where the collision happened.

Authorities said Uchimiya had parked along the curb and was sleeping in his sedan before the start of his shift on Saturday morning. At about 6:50 a.m., a 16-year-old boy driving a Range Rover slammed into the rear of the parked car. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said the teen appeared to be speeding at the time of the crash, according to KTLA.

Investigators said there was no indication the teenager was driving under the influence. It remains unclear whether he will face charges, as the crash is still under investigation. The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office determined that Uchimiya died from multiple blunt force injuries and ruled the manner of death an accident, according to reporting cited by the New York Post.

Surveillance video captured the force of the impact, showing the SUV crashing into Uchimiya’s sedan and triggering a chain-reaction collision. The chef’s car was pushed into two other vehicles parked in front of him. A witness told KTLA that the teenage driver appeared shocked and confused in the aftermath.

That same witness said she heard speculation during the day that the teen might not have had a license, though that detail has not been confirmed by authorities. She also said he looked very young and sat alone for about two hours after the crash while waiting at the scene. Officials have not publicly announced additional findings beyond saying the investigation is ongoing.

A roadway with a troubled reputation

People who live and work near Nobu Malibu told KTLA that this portion of Pacific Coast Highway is widely viewed as hazardous because speeding is common. The road has drawn repeated concern from residents and public officials in recent years.

In November 2023, the Malibu City Council declared a local emergency over dangerous conditions on Pacific Coast Highway. The declaration came weeks after a speeding driver struck and killed four Pepperdine University students along the same highway. That earlier tragedy intensified scrutiny of traffic safety in the area and renewed calls for stronger measures to slow drivers down.

Remembering Ryo Uchimiya

Friends, relatives and colleagues remembered Uchimiya as a devoted husband, a father of two and a highly respected chef. Those who worked beside him described both his skill and his kindness, saying his loss will be deeply felt inside the restaurant and beyond.

The manager of Nobu Malibu said the restaurant’s close-knit staff is doing what it can to support Uchimiya’s family. A fellow chef described him as a very talented chef and said the circumstances were heartbreaking. He also noted that Uchimiya had been resting before work and getting ready for a catering job, adding that staff members often arrive very early.

A hostess at the restaurant said employees were still trying to process what had happened and were not ready to speak in detail. For many around Nobu Malibu, the crash was not only a personal loss but also another painful reminder of the risks tied to speeding on one of Southern California’s most closely watched coastal roads.