DANA POINT, Calif. — A tragic crash near Baby Beach in Dana Point on Tuesday claimed the life of a juvenile driver and left five others injured, according to authorities with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
The single-vehicle collision occurred shortly before noon at the intersection of Dana Point Harbor Drive and Island Way. Sgt. Gerard McCann confirmed that a car carrying six juveniles slammed into a tree under circumstances that remain under investigation.
The driver, who has not yet been publicly identified due to their age, was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency crews responded swiftly, transporting the five surviving passengers to a nearby hospital. Three of the injured were listed in critical condition but are expected to recover, while two others were treated for minor injuries.
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic aftermath, with bystanders rushing to assist before first responders arrived. The crash temporarily shut down parts of Dana Point Harbor Drive as authorities worked to clear the wreckage and investigate the cause.
No further details about the vehicle, speed, or possible contributing factors have been released. The Orange County Sheriff’s Major Accident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information or who may have witnessed the crash to contact the Sheriff’s Department at (714) 647-7000.
The Dana Point community is reeling from the loss, as local leaders urge parents and teens to prioritize road safety. A memorial is being organized near the crash site to honor the young life lost.