Crime & Safety

Son Was Behind Wheel in Newport Crash That Killed His Mother

Jose Paz's mother, Angelina, perished in Wednesday's fatal crash.

The car involved in a fatal crash in Newport Beach on Wednesday was driven by the victim's son, a police official said today.

Investigators say Jose Paz, 22, of Costa Mesa, was behind the wheel of a 2001 Honda Civic when the car hit a light pole about 3:35 a.m. on MacArthur Boulevard between Vilaggion and Ford Road, according to Kathy Lowe, police spokeswoman. Paz's mother, Angelina, 45, was in the passenger seat and was pronounced dead at the scene.

"The 2001 Honda Civic left the southbound lanes of MacArthur Boulevard, onto the west sidewalk subsequently colliding with a light pole," Lowe said.

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A 21-year-old woman seated in the right rear passenger seated was also injured in the crash and was taken to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana. She was listed in critical condition but was expected to survive, police said. Jose Paz declined treatment.

Lowe said the accident is under investigation, but alcohol does not appear to be a factor. Police ask anyone with information about the accident to call traffic investigator Mike Schiavi at 949-644-3747.

Find out what's happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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