MALIBU, California — Ryo Uchimiya, a respected chef who spent approximately 25 years working at Nobu Malibu, died on October 3, 2026, after a vehicle struck his parked car along Pacific Coast Highway. He was 51.
The fatal collision occurred shortly before 7 a.m. near the restaurant, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Uchimiya was inside his parked vehicle, resting before his shift, when a Range Rover struck the car. The impact pushed his vehicle into another parked car. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Who Was Ryo Uchimiya?
Uchimiya was a longtime member of the Nobu Malibu team and a familiar presence in the restaurant’s kitchen. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief among colleagues and renewed attention to the people whose work supports the restaurant industry behind the scenes.
He was also a husband and father of two, according to media reports. His loss leaves his family, friends and coworkers mourning a man whose professional life was closely connected to the Malibu restaurant.
What Happened?
Investigators said a 16-year-old boy was driving the Range Rover eastbound on Pacific Coast Highway when it struck Uchimiya’s vehicle near the 22600 block of the highway. The teenager remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities.
Police said there were no apparent signs of alcohol or drug impairment. As of the latest reports, no charges had been filed, and the cause of the collision remained under investigation. The driver’s identity has not been publicly released because he is a minor.
Career and Legacy
Uchimiya dedicated much of his working life to Nobu Malibu, part of the internationally recognized restaurant group known for Japanese cuisine and its fusion of Japanese and Peruvian influences.
A restaurant manager told local media that staff members were working to support Uchimiya’s family during the difficult period. The response reflects the close bonds that can form among hospitality teams through years of shared work and service.
Uchimiya’s death is a painful loss for his loved ones and colleagues. As investigators continue examining the crash, his decades of service at Nobu Malibu remain a central part of how he will be remembered.