in Brentwood have reopened after two people died in a multi-vehicle crash, including a Los Angeles Police Department sergeant, on Monday morning. 

The California Highway Patrol cancelled the Sig Alert around 12:18 p.m., reopening all southbound lanes at Moraga Drive after a hours-long closure.   

At a news conference Monday morning outside of the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed the death of Sgt. Shiou Deng. He described him as a caring man who was a "true leader."

"It's with a heavy heart that I share some news that's tragic for the police family and for the residents of Los Angeles and really the nation," McDonnell said.

McDonnell said Deng was on the freeway when he noticed a collision ahead of him. He turned on his rear amber lights to slow traffic and provide safety to the people involved in the crash. As Deng approached the crash, he was hit by another vehicle. 

The CHP received a call at 1:58 a.m. about a multi-vehicle crash involving an LAPD patrol vehicle. The CHP reported that one person was pronounced dead at the scene and two others, including the officer, were taken to the hospital. The condition of the other individual transported is unknown.  

McDonnell said Deng spent more than 26 years in the LAPD, 17 of which were with the mental evaluation unit. He was made a sergeant two years ago and assigned to the West LA division. 

"As we mourn, we also mourn Sergeant Deng's extraordinary legacy — a legacy defined by integrity, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to public service," "His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him, served with him, and were protected by him."

Monday morning, Mayor Karen Bass said American flags above city buildings will be lowered to half-staff in Deng's honor. 

"This is a sad day for our city," Bass said. "The men and women of LAPD put their lives on the line for Angelenos each and every day."

McDonnell said details regarding Deng's memorial services will be shared in the coming days. 

Gov. Gavin Newsom also offered his condolences to Deng's family and ordered the flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space to be flown at half-staff.  

"Jennifer and I are heartbroken by the loss of Sergeant Deng, who dedicated more than 26 years to serving the Los Angeles community with pride and purpose," Newsom said. "We join his family, friends, and fellow officers in mourning, and in honoring his memory. May his service never be forgotten." 

In the afternoon, a memorial began growing outside of the West LA division with officers placing blue and white roses next to a photo of Deng. 

Officers remember Sgt. Deng 

Officers and detectives who worked alongside Sgt. Deng paid their respects to the 26-year department veteran during the ceremony outside LAPD's West LA station. 

"Sergeant Deng and I started the police academy in March of 1999," Detective Victor Lopez said. "He brought light to a lot of situations in the academy and throughout."

Officers lowered the American flag to half-staff in Deng's honor. 

"Definitely not going to be the same.I'm sure we're going to have a memorial of him, so I will be able to see him every day," Lopez said. "He did the best he could, the entire time he was in the department ... He embodies all the core values that we stand for."

Lopez remembered Deng as a family man. 

"He talked about healthcare for his parents," Lopez said. "He was very dedicated to them."

Chief McDonnell said Deng turned on his amber lights to slow traffic, trying to protect the people involved in the crash. 

"He put himself in harm's way in order to alert others coming behind him of the seriousness and unfortunately, he was struck from behind," McDonnell said. "He is somebody that we will all look to as an inspiration as we carry on the mission."