WEHOonline published new reporting on Sept. 12 about the wrongful death lawsuit filed after Blake Ackerman was killed while riding his bicycle on Fountain Avenue in West Hollywood.
What WEHOonline reported
WEHOonline reported that David Gammill, the attorney for Ackerman's family, said the city will point to the driver and to Ackerman while denying that Fountain Avenue caused the death. WEHOonline reported that West Hollywood's answer denies the family's allegations and raises 18 possible defenses, including claims that Ackerman was careless, assumed risk, and knew or should have known that any dangerous condition was open and obvious.
WEHOonline also reported that Ackerman was 27, was struck from behind on July 10, 2025, and later died from his injuries. The same report said Douglas Morton Adams was arrested five days later and pleaded not guilty to one felony count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death or serious injury. WEHOonline noted that Adams is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
What the city project page says
The City of West Hollywood said in its July 21, 2025 Fountain Avenue Streetscape Project release that Phase 1 would add protected bike lanes, reduce travel lanes from four to two, remove north-side on-street parking, and add signage, striping, and crosswalk improvements.
WEHOonline reported that the complaint cites 35 severe-injury collisions and five deaths along the West Hollywood portion of Fountain from 2013 through 2024, and says Fountain accounted for 36 percent of the city's fatal collisions despite making up 4 percent of its roadway network.
What happens next
WEHOonline reported that the Sept. 3 case-management conference produced no major ruling. The report said Gammill expects to seek records from West Hollywood and question city officials or employees involved in Fountain Avenue decisions.
For readers tracking bicycle crash and wrongful death issues in Southern California, Lederer & Nojima has a related resource on bicycle accident claims. Results may vary. Contact our office for a case evaluation.
Sources
- WEHOonline: Family Attorney on Blake Ackerman Lawsuit and What Comes Next
- City of West Hollywood: Fountain Avenue Streetscape Project release
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.