Motorist Killed in Sunset Explosion Identified

Update: Driver identified

The L.A. County Coroner's Office has identified Max Tinglof, 18, as the motorist who was killed after his car veered into a palm tree on Sunset Boulevard in Westwood early Friday morning, Assistant Chief of Operations Ed Winter told Patch.

The crash occurred on the 10800 block of Sunset Boulevard, near the intersection of Bellagio Road, at approximately 3:45 a.m.

"The vehicle was traveling eastbound, we're not sure what lane. It veered into the westbound lanes, colliding with the north curb and continued on and hit a tree, killing the driver," LAPD Sgt. Chris Clark told Patch.

After impact, the car burst into flames, Clark said.

According to the coroner's office, the victim's body was badly burned and a positive identification was made on Monday after inspecting Tinglof's dental records.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Tinglof was a recent graduate of and was attending UCLA before his death. News of his passing quickly spread through Pali High and outpouring of condolences flooded Facebook and Twitter, Skai Thompson told Patch. 

"He was in one of my classes, but he would always have the biggest smile and made everyone laugh," said Thompson. "If you go on his page, a lot of his really close friends posted on his wall."

Please leave your condolences for Max and his family in the comments below.