Newport Beach: Two Dead, Three Children Injured After Tragic Crash

12.08.2020 | 7:49 PM | NEWPORT BEACH – A suspected drunk driver tried to flee after being involved in a tragic crash left two people dead and their three children injured, Wednesday night.

The crash involving an orange Nissan Sentra and a black 2010 Range Rover Sport occurred at the intersection of Newport Coast Drive and Pelican Hill Road South in the Newport Coast area around 7:49 PM.

The female driver of the Nissan and her adult male passenger sustained major injuries and were pronounced deceased on scene when first responders arrived.

Three female juveniles who were riding in the backseat of the Nissan were injured in the crash and rushed from the scene by ambulance to area hospitals for treatment. Reports indicate the three girls are the children of the deceased.

A fourth person, the driver of the Range Rover, reportedly tried to flee the scene on foot, but was also transported by ambulance for treatment at a nearby hospital. That person, later identified as 22-year-old Grace Elizabeth Coleman of Newport Beach, was later placed under arrest on suspicion of murder, DUI, and hit-and-run.

Police say Coleman has prior interactions with law enforcement including a prior DUI arrest in August of 2020.

All southbound lanes of Newport Coast Drive are closed at Pelican Hill Road North until further notice while police investigated the tragic crash.

Miles Madison

Miles started reporting breaking news in 2015 and has been providing high-quality news video and timely reports from the Orange County area ever since. Combining his experience as a seasoned photojournalist, radio operator and sleuth, Miles provides unrivaled multimedia news reports.