Accident NewsFather and son identified as victims in deadly CA plane crash

May 7, 2025

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. – A father and son, 69-year-old Paul Berkovitz of Westlake Village and 36-year-old Matthew J. Berkovitz of Thousand Oaks, tragically died in a small plane crash in Simi Valley over the weekend.

The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that both died from “multiple blunt force injuries.” Their dog, Brody, was also killed.

The Berkovitz family thanked first responders from the Ventura County Fire Department and Simi Valley Police Department for their swift actions at the scene.

“Paul was a devoted father, husband, and passionate pilot, and Matt shared that passion for aviation. As we mourn this loss, we ask for privacy during this difficult time. We await the NTSB’s investigation into the cause of the crash and will not be making further public statements.”

Law offices of Burg & Brock, a firm with extensive experience in truck accident litigation, notes that injured parties may have grounds for compensation not just from the driver, but also potentially from:

  • The trucking company

  • Maintenance providers

  • Equipment manufacturers

  • Or even state agencies if road conditions were a contributing factor

Given the severity and potential hazards of such crashes, victims—or those stuck in the aftermath—are advised to document conditions, seek medical evaluation, and consult legal counsel immediately

If you or a loved one were affected by a crash, you can contact the Law Offices of Burg & Brock for a free consultation at www.legaldefenders.com  or Call us today at 818-999-9999

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content. If you need legal assistance related to this or any other matter, please contact an attorney directly.