A tragic accident occurred in Laguna Beach when a father died while teaching his daughter to drive. The 64-year-old father, James Politoski, was giving driving lessons to his 15-year-old daughter near Coast Highway. The crash happened between Wesley and Montage Resort drives in the afternoon.
According to the Laguna Beach Police Department, a young driver with a permit was behind the wheel. The vehicle started from the upper parking lot of Gelson’s Market. Suddenly, it broke through a fence barrier and went down an embankment. The car eventually stopped on Coast Highway.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene. Unfortunately, the adult passenger, Politoski, was declared dead at the site. Meanwhile, the teenage driver suffered serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. However, initial findings suggest the accident occurred during a driving lesson. The father’s daughter was reportedly learning to drive when the vehicle lost control. This heartbreaking event has deeply affected both the family and the local community.
Laguna Beach Police Department spokesperson Lt. Jesse Schmidt expressed sympathy for those involved. He said, “This is a tragedy that impacts not only the family but also the entire community.” He continued, “A father was simply trying to be a good parent by teaching his daughter how to drive. Sadly, this led to a devastating accident.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Laguna Beach Police Department confirmed the identities of those involved. Politoski was a longtime resident of Laguna Beach, known and respected by many in the area.
This accident serves as a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong during seemingly routine moments. Many in the community are mourning the loss and sending thoughts to the family. Officials encourage everyone to drive carefully and remain cautious, especially when teaching new drivers.
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