Orange County Man Killed In Rollover Crash Near Temecula

TEMECULA, CA — An Orange County man who lost control of his vehicle Wednesday night on state Route 79 South in unincorporated area just outside Temecula city limits has died from his injuries and impaired driving has not been ruled out.

John O'Donnell, 59, of Trabuco Canyon was pronounced dead at Wildomar's Inland Valley Medical Center just after 11 p.m., according to the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Bureau.

Shortly before 10 p.m., California Highway Patrol officers responded to the crash scene at SR-79 South and Anza Road where O'Donnell's 2003 Acura MDX was found rolled off the road into Temecula Creek.

The CHP's preliminary investigation determined O'Donnell was driving north on SR-79 South when his Acura drifted into the opposing traffic lane just west of Galway Downs. He overcorrected, which caused him to lose control. The vehicle smashed into a wooden guardrail before going over the side of the Temecula Creek bridge.

O'Donnell was the SUV's only occupant; he was wearing a seatbelt, according to the CHP report.

The incident remains under investigation, but the CHP reported that "impaired driving may have played a role in this traffic collision."

The agency reminded motorists that "impaired driving is dangerous driving. Always designate a driver."

The highway was closed for approximately 3.5 hours for the crash investigation and cleanup.

Crash witnesses are asked to call the CHP Temecula Area office with any information at 951-506-2000.