Range Rover Involved in Fatal Crash That Killed Nobu Chef Was Leased by Composer Harry Gregson-Williams

The Range Rover involved in a fatal crash that killed Nobu Malibu chef Ryo Uchimiya was leased by Hollywood composer Harry Gregson-Williams, according to a report. The 16-year-old driver was operating the luxury SUV when it smashed into Uchimiya's parked car on Pacific Coast Highway early Saturday morning.

DMV records indicate the 2026 Land Rover was leased by British-born composer Harry Gregson-Williams, 64, whose work includes scores for films such as "Shrek," "The Chronicles of Narnia," "The Martian," and "Gladiator II." It remains unclear what connection the teenage driver has to Gregson-Williams or how he came to be driving the vehicle.

Gregson-Williams, who recently attended the Los Angeles premiere of the Netflix thriller "Animals" with Ben Affleck, commented briefly on the tragedy. "This family is grieving just as the other family," he told The California Post.

Fatal Collision Details

Surveillance footage captured the moment the SUV collided with the back of Uchimiya's parked sedan around 6:50 a.m. Investigators with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department believe the teenage driver was speeding. The impact propelled Uchimiya's car into two other parked vehicles, causing a chain reaction.

Uchimiya, who had worked at Nobu Malibu for approximately 25 years, was reportedly in the back seat of his car, resting before his shift. He sustained multiple blunt-force injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. His death has been ruled an accident.

The teenage driver, a minor, has been identified by authorities but not publicly named. The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been announced.

Victim and Location

Ryo Uchimiya, a father of two, was remembered by colleagues as a kind and talented chef. "He was resting, getting ready for a catering gig," a fellow Nobu chef stated. "We all get here really early."

Nobu Malibu, a popular Japanese restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean, was closed on Saturday following the accident. Staff often park vehicles along the highway outside the restaurant. Flowers and messages of condolence were placed outside the establishment.

Steven Zaw, a friend of Uchimiya's, described him as an avid skier and climber, as well as a gifted chef. "He's an amazing human being, great skier. Taught his kids how to ski. We went on a lot of ski trips together," Zaw said.

The section of Pacific Coast Highway where the crash occurred is known for its high rate of accidents, averaging around four crash-related fatalities annually over the past decade.