The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has new leads on the investigation into a fatal car crash involving Bruce Jenner, thanks to video taken seconds after impact.
TMZ reports investigators have obtained footage that shows the immediate aftermath of the crash, and hope to use it to track down witnesses who saw the accident. The wreck culminated when Jenner’s Cadillac Escalade collided with a white Lexus that had already hit a Toyota Prius that was stopped on the Pacific Coast Highway for reasons presently unknown. The force from Jenner’s vehicle pushed the Lexus head-on into a Hummer.
The driver of the Lexus, a 69-year-old woman identified as Kim Howe, was pronounced dead on the scene.
The L.A. County Sherrif’s Department has not yet responded to TheWrap‘s request for comment.
TMZ cites law enforcement officials who have seen the video, and who say it does not indicate Jenner was being chased by paparazzi, despite the former Olympian and reality star’s claims to the contrary. Investigators have previously stated that photographers “were not a factor” in the crash, and plan on reviewing Jenner’s cell phone records to determine whether he was illegally texting and driving.
Investigators also hope witnesses captured on video can clear up whether the Prius stopped on PCH was stuck in traffic or perhaps in the process of an illegal traffic maneuver.
As for Jenner’s culpability, his representative has said, “The evidence will show that Bruce was not texting at the time of the accident.”
In a statement to the media, Jenner said, “My heartfelt and deepest sympathies go out to the family and loved ones, and to all of those who were involved or injured in this terrible accident. It is a devastating tragedy and I cannot pretend to imagine what this family is going through at this time. I am praying for them. I will continue to cooperate in every way possible.”