Fatal Car Accident in Laguna Beach

Introduction to the Incident

A man was fatally injured and his teenage daughter seriously injured when their car rolled through a fence out of a grocery store parking lot and down an embankment to Coast Highway below, authorities said.
The teenager, who had a driver’s permit, was out on a driving lesson with her father in the parking lot of a permanently shuttered Gelson’s market, between Wesley Drive and Montage Resort Drive, just before 2:45 p.m. Monday, May 26, when the car went through a fence and rolled down the embankment, police said.
The man was a 64-year-old resident of Laguna Beach.
The sedan ended up upside down on the sidewalk of Coast Highway.
The teenager was taken to Mission Hospital, police said.

Reaction to the Incident

“It’s a tragic incident,” Laguna Beach police Lt. Jesse Schmidt said. “The community is shaken by this because someone lost their life by being a good parent.”
On Tuesday, police were continuing their investigation.

Details of the Accident

The accident occurred in a location that is supposed to be a safe and controlled environment for a driving lesson, highlighting the unpredictability of such incidents.
The fact that the car rolled down an embankment and ended up on the sidewalk of a major highway underscores the severity of the accident.

Investigation and Aftermath

The police investigation into the accident is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the cause of the crash.
The community has been left to mourn the loss of a life and to come to terms with the circumstances of the accident.

Conclusion

The fatal car accident in Laguna Beach is a tragic reminder of the risks and unpredictability of driving, even in controlled environments. The incident has left a community shaken and a family grieving. As the investigation continues, it is a somber reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance on the roads.

FAQs

What happened in the accident?

A man and his teenage daughter were involved in a car accident during a driving lesson in a parking lot. The car rolled through a fence and down an embankment, resulting in the fatal injury of the man and serious injury of the daughter.

Where did the accident occur?

The accident occurred in the parking lot of a permanently shuttered Gelson’s market in Laguna Beach, between Wesley Drive and Montage Resort Drive.

What is the status of the investigation?

The police investigation into the accident is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the cause of the crash.

How old was the man who died in the accident?

The man who died in the accident was a 64-year-old resident of Laguna Beach.

Originally Published

Originally Published: May 27, 2025 at 11:19 AM PDT