Camilla Megan Mendoza of Long Beach Found Dead in Car Submerged in Irvine Lake

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Authorities in Orange County are conducting an investigation into the tragic death of a woman whose vehicle plunged into a manmade lake in Irvine on Thanksgiving Day. The Irvine Police Department and firefighters swiftly responded to reports of a car driving into the lake, which is situated south of Irvine Center Drive where West Yale Loop and East Yale Loop meet.

According to a witness, the female driver was heading south on Yale Loop when her silver Mercedes four-door sedan veered off the road and into the lake. Fire officials faced challenges locating the submerged car due to the thick and murky water. Captain Thanh Nguyen of the Orange County Fire Authority mentioned that it took some time to locate the vehicle. To aid in the search and recovery process, two swift-water rescue teams, rescue trucks, and several helicopters were dispatched.

Eventually, the car was found about 30 yards from the water’s edge. Tragically, the woman, identified as Camilla Megan Mendoza from Long Beach, was alone inside the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The Orange County Fire Authority worked diligently to remove her body from the car.

The Irvine Police Department has initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash and is appealing to the public for any information that may assist in the case. Detective Christopher Ostrowski can be contacted at (949) 724-7047 or via email at costrowski@cityofirvine.org.

This devastating incident has left the community shocked and mourning the loss of a young woman. The authorities are committed to determining the circumstances surrounding the accident to provide closure to the victim’s family and friends.

Please note that this article was originally published in the Los Angeles Times. To stay updated with essential news, features, and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond, sign up for Essential California and receive regular updates directly to your inbox six days a week.

It is imperative to remember that accidents like these can occur at any time and serve as a reminder for all drivers to remain cautious and vigilant on the roads..