Remembering Blake Ackerman: Beloved Son, Rising Legal Star Killed in West Hollywood Hit-and-Run
The West Hollywood community is mourning the tragic loss of 26-year-old Blake Ackerman, who was killed in a devastating hit-and-run collision on the night of Thursday, July 10. Blake was riding his bicycle home around 9:45 p.m. when he was struck near the intersection of Fountain Avenue and Gardner Street by a BMW sedan. The driver fled the scene, leaving Blake critically injured. He was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center but sadly succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
Blake Ackerman’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through his family, friends, and the many professional and academic communities he touched. A GoFundMe campaign launched in the wake of his passing—created to assist with funeral costs and provide financial support for his mother and sister—describes Blake as a beloved son, brother, friend, and a passionate legal professional just beginning a promising career.
“To know Blake was to love Blake,” the campaign reads. “He was a bright light, full of energy, kindness, and an unshakable love for those around him.”
Originally from Beverly Hills, Blake graduated from Beverly Hills High School, where he served as student body president. His natural leadership and drive carried on through his undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California, where he served as undergraduate vice president. In 2023, Blake earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.
There, he stood out not only for his academic excellence—serving as senior articles editor for the Loyola Law Review—but also for his community engagement as president of the Surf & Ski Club and co-founder of a human rights advocacy group focused on prison-to-school education.
Blake’s legal journey included externships and clerkships with respected judges, including Judge Autumn D. Spaeth of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and Judge Clyde J. Wadsworth at the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals. It was in Hawaii where he met his partner, Torie, before the couple moved back to Los Angeles. Blake had recently joined Morgan Lewis as a litigation associate, where he quickly made an impression with his dedication to justice, humility, and commitment to pro bono work. His colleagues have vowed to carry forward one of his final pro bono cases in his memory.
Outside of his academic and legal accomplishments, Blake is remembered for his radiant personality, adventurous spirit, and the love he shared with everyone he met. Whether swimming in the ocean, snowboarding with friends, playing water polo, or rooting for the Dodgers, Blake brought joy and laughter to every space he entered.
“Blake lived every day to its fullest,” his family wrote. “He was the heart of his family, an adoring brother and uncle in waiting, a devoted son and grandson, and an integral part of every community he joined.”
Blake leaves behind his heartbroken mother, Robin; father, Bruce; and sister, Annie, with whom he shared a uniquely close bond. As they navigate this unimaginable grief, they ask for continued prayers and support.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate the hit-and-run and is seeking public assistance in locating the suspect. The vehicle is described as an older BMW sedan with a shattered passenger-side windshield—possibly white or gray, based on differing witness accounts. Anyone with information is urged to contact the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station at (310) 855-8850.
As of now, the GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $73,000 of its $100,000 goal, a testament to the widespread love and admiration for Blake. His legacy—as a devoted son, brother, partner, friend, and advocate for justice—will never be forgotten.
