Heartbreaking Loss of a Bright Star: Remembering Blake Ackerman
The West Hollywood community is enveloped in sorrow following the tragic and untimely death of Blake Ackerman, a vibrant 26-year-old legal rising star, who was struck and killed in a hit-and-run accident while riding his bicycle home on the night of July 10. Blake’s life was abruptly cut short near Fountain Avenue and Gardner Street by a fleeing BMW sedan. Despite rapid medical intervention at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, he succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind devastated family, friends, and colleagues. Blake’s loss is not only a personal tragedy but a profound blow to everyone who knew him—a young man full of promise, kindness, and an unwavering passion for justice.
A Life of Leadership, Passion, and Promise
Blake Ackerman’s journey was marked by extraordinary achievements and deep commitments. A proud native of Beverly Hills, Blake was an exceptional student and leader from an early age. He served as student body president in high school and later as undergraduate vice president at the University of Southern California. His dedication to education culminated in earning his Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School in 2023, where he distinguished himself as senior articles editor of the Loyola Law Review. Beyond academics, Blake co-founded a human rights advocacy group focusing on prison-to-school education, reflecting his deep commitment to social justice.
His promising career included respected clerkships and externships with federal and state judges and, most recently, a position as a litigation associate at Morgan Lewis. Known for his humility and tireless pro bono work, Blake’s colleagues have pledged to honor his memory by continuing one of his final cases. Outside the courtroom, Blake’s adventurous spirit shone—whether swimming, snowboarding, playing water polo, or cheering for the Dodgers. He was a radiant presence who lived life fully and inspired those around him.
A Family’s Unbearable Grief and a Community’s Call for Justice
Blake’s family—his mother Robin, father Bruce, and sister Annie—are left grappling with a loss too profound to put into words. His family’s love for him and the bright future that was stolen away are heart-wrenching reminders of his irreplaceable presence. They describe Blake as the “heart of the family,” a devoted son, brother, and partner who brought boundless joy and love to everyone in his life. His partner, Torie, who met him during his clerkship in Hawaii, now mourns the loss of a beloved soulmate.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating the hit-and-run incident and seeking help from the public. The suspect’s vehicle is described as an older BMW sedan with a shattered passenger-side windshield, possibly white or gray. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities.
