With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Funeral for Fallen LAPD Officer in Train Crash
Unfortunately we've been here twice already this year. First with Randall Simmons who was killed during a SWAT operation in the Valley. Then firefighter Brent Loverin died when a manhole exploded near LAX. Tomorrow will be host to our third funeral for Spree Desha, who died off duty in uniform when she was commuting home on Metrolink Train #111 that crashed head on with a Union Pacific freight train killing at least 26.
Desha's funeral will be held at Cathedral of Our Lady of The Angels at 9:30 a.m. with a few downtown street closures throughout the day. Here is the information so you can plan your day without being hindered by the closures as officers honor their fallen.
Between approximately 6:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. the following streets will be closed:
- Temple St. will be closed between Alameda St. and Grand Ave.
- Hill St. will be closed between Ord St. and 1st St.
- Judge John Aiso St. will be closed between Temple St. and 1st St.
Procession 8:45 a.m.:
Sponsor
The funeral procession will begin behind Parker Center on San Pedro St. The procession will head north on San Pedro St. to Temple St. It will then proceed west on Temple St. to the Cathedral.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
