July 16, 2025

Elderly Woman Killed in DUI Crash in Huntington Beach

News Summary

An 85-year-old woman named Caryl Margulies has died after being struck by a vehicle in a DUI-related incident in Huntington Beach. The crash occurred while she was walking, and the driver, a 62-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of DUI. Margulies, who suffered from dementia and had been reported missing, was found unconscious and later pronounced dead at the hospital. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging witnesses to come forward to help with the case.

Huntington Beach

An 85-year-old woman has been identified as the victim in a fatal DUI crash that occurred on July 12, 2025, near Brookhurst Street and Crailet Drive in Huntington Beach. The woman, Caryl Margulies, suffered injuries that led to her death following the incident.

The crash happened around 6 p.m. when Margulies was struck by a white Toyota RAV4 while she was walking in the area. Emergency responders arrived on the scene and found her unconscious, lying on the roadway. Margulies was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Prior to the collision, Caryl Margulies had been reported missing, and it has been noted that she was suffering from dementia. Her condition may have contributed to her vulnerability at the time of the accident.

The driver of the Toyota RAV4, a 62-year-old man from Costa Mesa, was present at the scene of the accident and has been cooperative with law enforcement officials. He has since been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), with authorities indicating that impairment was a likely factor in the crash.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is currently ongoing, and as of now, no additional details have been released by the police. Investigators continue to gather information regarding the incident.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has relevant information to come forward. Witnesses can contact HBP Investigator C. Houlston at 714-536-5559.

Background

Huntington Beach has been marked by a number of incidents related to DUI in the past few years, raising concerns about road safety and impaired driving. According to statistics from law enforcement agencies, DUI incidents contribute significantly to fatal traffic accidents, emphasizing the need for community awareness and responsibility among drivers.

Caryl Margulies’ tragic death highlights not only the dangers of impaired driving but also the vulnerabilities faced by the elderly, especially those with health conditions such as dementia. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of looking out for vulnerable individuals in our communities.

As the investigation unfolds, residents are invited to play an active role in fostering a safer environment by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious or dangerous behavior that could potentially lead to tragedies on the road.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER

COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

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