Mark Chaney-Gay, a West Hollywood therapist and disability advocate who uses a motorized wheelchair, was struck by a hit-and-run driver Wednesday morning while crossing Santa Monica Boulevard at North Robertson Boulevard, authorities and the victim said.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies and Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel responded to a Code 3 vehicle-versus-pedestrian collision at the intersection around 10 a.m. after a 911 caller reported the crash. Chaney-Gay was found conscious and alert in the crosswalk with visible injuries to his leg. An ambulance transported him to a hospital.
A deputy on scene told WEHOonline it was a “hit and run.” We were able to later confirm the driver cooperated with law enforcement. Chaney-Gay told us he was informed Saturday morning that it was not a hit and run.
Chaney-Gay, who posts publicly on Instagram as @the.gay.disabled.therapist, addressed the crash from the hospital.
“I got hit by a car today while on my mobility scooter,” he said. “I am in so much pain and don’t know yet what other injuries I might have. I’m also not sure if my mobility scooter is still usable.”
He said the scooter represented hard-won independence.
“Disability can make mobility challenging. I was so happy to have some independence,” he said. “Fingers crossed it’s okay. Thankful to be breathing and still here.”
Chaney-Gay said the driver turned into the crosswalk while he had the walk signal and used the incident to warn others.
“A driver turned into the crosswalk while I had the walk sign and right of way,” he said. “I have talked about this many times. Many do this — turn into the crosswalk on a walk sign. Please do not turn into crosswalks and pay attention.”
When reached by WEHOonline, Chaney-Gay said he had not decided whether to provide a comment “given what happened and any needed follow-up.” He confirmed to his chair seems to be working ok. It was clear to us he is still very shaken up by the event – as anyone would be.
Readers may remember Chaney-Gay from a viral incident last September, when a Serve Robotics sidewalk delivery robot repeatedly blocked and then collided with his mobility scooter near the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station on Santa Monica Boulevard. The video drew more than 20 million views and reignited debate over whether autonomous delivery robots pose a safety and accessibility risk to people with disabilities. WEHOonline covered the story as Chaney-Gay called on the City to more aggressively regulate the devices.
Editor’s note: This story was updated to include Mark’s comments on Instagram and he was informed Saturday, March 14th it was not a hit and run.
Related Coverage:
• Update: Robot Roadblock — West Hollywood Resident Calls for Action After Sidewalk Incident
• WeHo Man’s Viral Video of Delivery Robot Collision Sparks Accessibility Concerns
• West Hollywood Delivery Robots Move From Pilot to Permanent After 4–1 Vote
Where are those license plate readers?
Don’t think they’re allowed for privacy reasons.
Many motorists fun for true right turn in disregard of pedestrians. I keep an eye out and yell at them whenever they start to cut me off from exercising my right of way! Most stop.