Coto De Caza Man Identified In Fatal Crash

COTO DE CAZA, CA — A Coto De Caza man was identified as the victim of a fatal collision involving three vehicles Monday. Melvyn Gruben, a 79-year-old resident of Coto De Caza, was killed in the collision that occurred near Oso Parkway and Bridle Path at approximately 11:30 a.m., according to the Orange County Coroner's office.

California Highway Patrol is continuing their investigation into the collision, according to Patrol Officer Rafael Reynoso.

"A Ford Econoline van that was traveling westbound on Oso Parkway drifted into the eastbound lanes and sideswiped a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck before slamming head-on into an eastbound Nissan sedan," Reynoso said.

The Nissan's driver, Gruben, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cargo van's driver, who is in his 20s, was rushed to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo to be treated for "major" injuries, Reynoso said. There is no word as to his condition as of this report.

The pickup truck driver, who is in his 40s, sustained minor injuries and did not need to be taken to a hospital, Reynoso said.

OCFA Photo