Influencer accused of Fountain Avenue fatality is in a coma

The L.A. influencer blamed for a Fountain Avenue car crash that killed an elderly woman is now in a coma after a severe scooter accident. 

Garrett Bruno, 33, suffered a critical skull injury on October 25 after falling from his scooter without wearing a helmet. His condition is grave, and he remains hospitalized with his parents by his side. The accident happened shortly after he came under scrutiny for a crash on October 10 that killed 83-year-old Esther Abouab and injured her husband, Joe.

Bruno’s SUV collided with Abouab’s vehicle at the intersection of Fountain Avenue and North Spaulding Avenue. Witnesses and investigators suspect Bruno was speeding at the time of the crash. Abouab, who was traveling with her husband, succumbed to her injuries in the hospital, while Joe sustained serious but nonfatal injuries. Bruno, captured in photos shortly after the crash appearing injured and restrained, was treated for minor injuries and released.

The crash was heavily politicized by proponents of bike lanes on Fountain Avenue, including newly re-elected Mayor John Erickson and Councilmember-elect Danny Hang, as a rationale for their installation. 

Less than a week after the crash, Bruno was involved in a separate scooter accident, breaking his jaw and requiring surgery. On October 19, he was photographed on the sidewalk outside his West Hollywood home snorting a white powder, which he later claimed on social media was prescription ketamine prescribed for mental health issues. Bruno addressed the October 10 crash on Instagram, expressing regret for Abouab’s death while stating the investigation was ongoing.

Days later, deputies with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department attempted to arrest Bruno at his West Hollywood rental home on October 27. Armed with a search warrant and prepared to serve him with charges, including second-degree murder, they discovered he was not present. His ex-boyfriend informed authorities of his critical condition following the October 25 scooter accident, according to the Daily Mail.

The Sheriff’s Department is continuing its investigation, and prosecutors are expected to file charges for second-degree murder, reckless driving, and other related offenses. If convicted, Bruno could face a sentence of 15 years to life.