The Sierra Canyon School community is grieving the loss of Hunter Langley, a student at Sierra Canyon High School who died in a tragic car accident early Wednesday morning while on his way to school. His death has sent shockwaves through the campus and the wider community, leaving classmates, teammates, teachers, and friends mourning a young life taken far too soon.
Hunter Langley was remembered as a beloved son, brother, friend, and teammate, as well as an intelligent and kind-hearted student whose presence left a lasting impact on those around him. Friends described him as thoughtful, driven, and supportive—someone who uplifted others both in the classroom and on the court.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Mission League boys basketball tournament championship game between Sierra Canyon and Notre Dame was canceled out of respect for the loss. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, would have determined the league champion. Sierra Canyon entered the matchup as the No. 1 seed, with Notre Dame seeded No. 2.
Sierra Canyon High School Student Who Died in Tesla-Involved Accident has Been Identified
In a message sent to ticket holders, the Sierra Canyon Athletics Department announced the cancellation of all athletic events for the day:
“Due to the sudden loss within the Sierra Canyon School community, the Sierra Canyon Athletics Department has decided to cancel all athletic events today, Wednesday, February 4, including tonight’s boys basketball game against Notre Dame. Please note that all ticket holders will receive a full refund. We appreciate your understanding as we take this time to support our students, families, and community.”
Because the CIF Southern Section regular-season calendar concludes on Wednesday, the championship game cannot be rescheduled. No Mission League champion will be crowned this year, though both schools have agreed to submit final league standings based on tournament seeding.
“In moments like this, competition is secondary,” athletic director Alec Moss said. “Our focus is on care, compassion, and support for all those affected.”
Details of the Crash
According to reports from the California Highway Patrol, the fatal accident occurred shortly before 7:40 a.m. along Malibu Canyon Road, near Pepperdine University. Authorities said a Tesla vehicle plunged approximately 30 feet down an embankment near Potter Drive, coming to rest in thick brush.
Los Angeles County firefighters responded to the scene and located the driver inside the vehicle. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene. CHP officials confirmed that the driver was the sole occupant. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and it is not yet known whether speed, weather conditions, or mechanical issues played a role.
Message to the School Community
Sierra Canyon Head of School Jim Skrumbis addressed families in a letter Wednesday morning, acknowledging the profound loss and emphasizing community support:
“It is with a very heavy heart that I share the tragic news that a student of our Upper Campus community died earlier this morning in a car accident. My deepest sympathies are with the family as they navigate an unimaginable loss.”
Skrumbis noted that counselors and wellness staff will be available to support students in the coming days and encouraged families to have thoughtful conversations at home.
“In moments like this, our strength as a community is found in our empathy, our presence, and the ways we come together to care for one another,” he wrote.
A Community United in Grief
As Sierra Canyon mourns the loss of Hunter Langley, tributes continue to pour in from classmates, teammates, and families whose lives he touched. While his life was tragically cut short, those who knew him say his kindness, character, and spirit will not be forgotten.
The community has asked for privacy for the Langley family as they grieve, while continuing to honor Hunter’s memory through unity, compassion, and support for one another.
