A 49-year-old man died Saturday night after his vehicle crashed into a structure on West 17th Street in Santa Ana, according to authorities. Emergency crews from the Santa Ana Police Department and the Orange County Fire Authority responded to the scene, and the driver, identified as Jose Luis Garcia Huerta, was taken to a hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
Initial Findings From Police
In a police press release, Chief Robert Rodriguez said the single-vehicle collision was reported at about 6:59 p.m. on March 14 at 4320 W. 17th Street. The release states that Orange County Fire Authority crews transported the driver to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. Police identified the driver as 49-year-old Jose Luis Garcia Huerta.
“Investigators believe the driver may have experienced a medical emergency while driving,” the release stated. It also noted that alcohol and drugs are not believed to have been factors, and that the department’s Collision Investigations Unit is handling the probe.
Medical Emergencies Behind the Wheel
Medical issues while driving, including heart attacks, seizures, and blackouts, are a known cause of crashes nationwide. Based on the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey, an estimated 20,000 drivers each year are involved in crashes precipitated by medical emergencies, as reported by Consumer Reports.
Investigation and Next Steps
Santa Ana’s Collision Investigations Unit will continue examining the scene and relevant records as it works to determine the circumstances of the crash. The original release lists Natalie Garcia as the department’s public information officer for media questions, and anyone with information is urged to contact the department…