Car Hits Utility Pole, Killing Passenger, 21

A 21-year-old died after the car he was riding in crashed into a telephone pole on Laurel Canyon Boulevard, authorities said Monday.

Mikah Newkirk Hughes of Van Nuys died Sunday afternoon after being on life support at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, said hospital spokeswoman Tiffany Devall. He suffered head and body injuries in the accident.

Police said Hughes and at least one of the other two passengers were not wearing seat belts when the accident occurred on Laurel Canyon Boulevard near Dona Pegita Drive in Studio City on Saturday. The other passengers received minor injuries. Driver Mark Kurayev of Sherman Oaks was cut on the head.

Police were trying to determine whether excessive speed may have caused the accident. There was no evidence the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, investigators said.