Crime & Safety

Fatal Ortega Highway Crash Claims Life Of Lake Forest Man

The driver of the Prius, a Lake Forest man, was pronounced dead at the scene of the Route 74 San Juan Capistrano area collision, OCFA said.

LAKE FOREST, CA — A Thursday afternoon collision between a Prius and pickup truck collision on the Ortega Highway (Route 74) near San Juan Capistrano left a Lake Forest man dead, authorities reported.

"The Prius driver was pronounced dead at the scene after being cut out of the wreckage," according to Capt. Larry Kurtz of the Orange County Fire Authority.

The driver was identified by the Orange County coroner's office as 69-year-old Lake Forest resident, Mike Madigan.

Find out what's happening in Lake Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The other driver suffered only minor injuries, according to the OCFA.

California Highway Patrols incident log stated that the Prius may have crossed into the path of the oncoming truck though the crash remains under investigation.

Find out what's happening in Lake Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Both vehicles went over the side of the highway, also known as state Route 74, at just before 4:45 p.m. Wednesday about 5 miles east of Interstate 5, authorities said.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.