Laurie A. Lofquist

Born 23 January 1945, California

Died 21 September 1963, Los Angeles, California

California Death Index

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Three Girls Seriously Injured in Six-Car Crash on Freeway

Three Encino girls were in serious condition yesterday following a six vehicle pile up on the Ventura freeway during the night.

Laurie Ann Lofquist, 18, her sister Maureen Diane, 16, of 17657 Rancho St., and a companion, Virginia Hile, 18 of 5736 Andasol Ave., were rushed to West Park Community Hospital following the crash.

Laurie Ann, who was driving, suffered critical head injuries and was unconscious at the hospital, police said. Maureen Diane also suffered severe head injuries and was unconscious at the hospital. She also received cuts of the mouth and chin.

Miss Hile was treated for possible fractured ribs, a bruise on the back of the head, a cut foot and leg.

Two of the other drivers, Lina May Eckles, 17 of 5530 Tampa Ave., Tarzana, and W. S. Wojtkiewicz, 40 of Beverly Hills, received minor injuries but were not treated.

Police and Fire Dept. rescue units worked for more than 15 minutes before they were able to remove the injured girls through the windshield of their crumpled car. Police said the girls' car was struck from the rear by a truck driven by Josiah Gibson of 18561 Prairie St, Northridge.

The impact sent the Lofquist car hurtling forward, causing four other cars to collide with one another.

The accident tied up traffic on the Ventura Freeway at Winnetka Ave. for more than an hour while officers attempted to untangle the wreckage of the truck and five cars.

The [Valley] News, Friday September 20, 1963

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Three More Die in Valley Traffic

. . .

Laurie Ann Lofquist 18, of 17657 Rancho St., Encino, died on Saturday of injuries received last Wednesday at the Ventura Freeway and the Winnetka Ave. off-ramp.

The Pierce College sophomore's death brings to 65 the number of traffic deaths in the Valley this year. Last year at this time there were 62 fatalities.

Rosary services will be recited today at 8 p.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 5011 White Oak Ave., Encino. Requiem mass will be held tomorrow at 8 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow in the San Fernando Mission Cemetery.

Miss Lofquist is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert P. Lofquist Jr.; sister Maureen 16; a brother Mark 9; grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Albert P. Lofquist Sr. of Phoenix, and Mrs. George E. Baum of Inglewood.

. . .

The [Valley] News, Tuesday, September 24, 1963