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Son of Dole chief Murdock killed in L.A. auto crash
By Staff and Wire Services
David Howard Murdock II, son of the chairman of Westlake Village-based Dole Food Co., was killed early Saturday in a car crash, officials said.
Murdock, 36, of Los Angeles died when his sports car left the Santa Monica Freeway about 2:30 a.m. and crashed into some trees, California Highway Patrol Officer Shameil Coleman said.
A female passenger survived the crash.
Murdock's father, David Howard Murdock of Lake Sherwood, was included last year on the Forbes 400, which lists the world's richest people based on their aggregate net worth.
The elder Murdock was listed as No. 140, with a net worth of $1.5 billion.
The Murdock family issued the following statement: "On Oct. 23, 2004, the family of David H. Murdock Jr. experienced the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother.
"We are deeply saddened and would appreciate if the public and press understand our need for privacy during this difficult time."
The crash occurred on the eastbound side at Bundy Drive, according to the CHP. Murdock was driving a 2003 Ferrari at an unknown speed when he "failed to negotiate the curve in the roadway west of Centinela Avenue," according to a CHP statement.
The vehicle veered onto the right shoulder and continued down the embankment onto the eastbound I-10 Centinela Avenue on-ramp, where it struck the meter light on the south side of the on-ramp.
The car then went off the embankment just west of the Bundy Drive undercrossing, where "it struck a tree, causing fatal injuries to Mr. Murdock," according to the statement
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