Woman, 83, Killed as Car Crashes Into Tree

An 83-year-old woman was killed and her husband critically injured Saturday night when their car spun out of control and hit a tree, police said.

Thelma Gutterman, who was wearing a seat belt, died at the scene from abdominal injuries, Los Angeles Police Officer Steve Cohen said.

Her husband, Maury Gutterman, 85, told authorities he did not know how he lost control of the car, which was southbound on Tampa Avenue. The car crashed into a tree on the median near Blackhawk Street about 10 p.m., Cohen said.

He complained of pain in his right arm and was taken to Northridge Hospital Medical Center, where he was in critical but stable condition Sunday, authorities said.