Deadly Ortega Highway Crash: Two Injured, One Dies

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — A Lake Forest man was severely injured in a crash driving the Ortega Highway east of San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash between two vehicles killed a Murrieta woman, who was a passenger in one vehicle, and left two drivers critically injured, CHP said.

The woman was publicly identified Monday by Orange County Coroner's office as Amparo Lopez, 77, of Murrieta.

The head-on collision was reported shortly after 8:30 p.m. Saturday, in the westbound lane of Ortega Highway east of Antonio Parkway, the CHP said. Lanes were closed for hours during the clearing and investigation.

A 74-year-old Murrieta man was driving a Honda, and the 38-year-old Lake Forest man who was driving a Mazda, according to the CHP. Lopez was a passenger in the Honda and died at the hospital, the CHP said.

There was no word as of this report as to if drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash.

Renee Schiavone Photo