News Summary
A tragic car crash in Laguna Beach during a Memorial Day driving lesson resulted in the death of a 64-year-old father while teaching his daughter. The incident involved a Volkswagen Beetle that crashed and rolled onto the Pacific Coast Highway. Authorities report the likely cause of the accident was confusion between the brake and gas pedals. The daughter suffered injuries but is in stable condition. This incident highlights the risks associated with learning to drive and the importance of safety during such lessons.
Laguna Beach Sees Tragic Memorial Day Accident
A Memorial Day car crash on May 26, 2025, in Laguna Beach, California, has resulted in the death of a 64-year-old father, James Politoski, during a driving lesson with his teenage daughter. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the now-closed Gelson’s Market in Dana Point as Politoski was teaching his 15-year-old daughter, who is a learner’s permit holder, how to drive.
According to authorities, Politoski occupied the passenger seat while his daughter was behind the wheel. The vehicle, identified as a Volkswagen Type-1 (Beetle) convertible, collided with a fence, rolled down an embankment, and ultimately landed upside down on the Pacific Coast Highway. Emergency services received a call about the crash at approximately 2:43 p.m., and Politoski was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations by the Laguna Beach Police Department indicate that the probable cause of the crash was confusion between the brake pedal and the gas pedal, an unfortunate error that took place during a moment intended for father-daughter bonding. In the accident, Politoski’s daughter sustained significant injuries and was transported to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. As of the latest reports, she is in stable condition and expected to survive.
Accident Details
The accident occurred along Coast Highway, between Wesley Drive and Montage Resort Drive. Following the crash, Pacific Coast Highway was closed in both directions for about three hours to facilitate the emergency response and investigation. The vehicle struck a parked car on the highway, inflicting only minor damage, further illustrating the fortunate outcome that there were no other serious injuries among the public.
Investigation Underway
The Laguna Beach Police Department is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Lt. Jesse Schmidt, a spokesperson for the department, shared condolences over the unfolding tragedy, emphasizing the heartbreaking nature of the incident occurring during what should have been a cherished moment between a father and his daughter.
Background Context
Memorial Day is traditionally a time for families to gather and create lasting memories, but this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with learning to drive. While many parent-child pairs partake in driving lessons, this tragic event highlights the importance of safety and preparedness during such experiences. As driver education continues to be a vital component of teen development, discussions around safe driving practices are essential to prevent future tragedies.
This incident stands as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability of accidents, reinforcing the need for caution and attentiveness, particularly among novice drivers and their instructors.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- KSBW
- OC Register
- Los Angeles Times
- FOX LA
- Wikipedia: Driving Lessons
- Google Search: driving lesson accidents
- Google Scholar: teen driving accidents
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile
- Google News: Laguna Beach driving accident
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, 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 Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
