July 16, 2025

Tragic Accident Claims Life of 85-Year-Old in Huntington Beach

News Summary

An 85-year-old woman, Caryl Margulies, was tragically killed by a suspected DUI driver in Huntington Beach. The accident occurred near Brookhurst Street, raising concerns about road safety, especially for vulnerable pedestrians. The local community is in shock, mourning the loss and emphasizing the need for vigilance in ensuring road safety. Authorities are investigating the incident and have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Tragic Incident in Huntington Beach: An 85-Year-Old Woman Killed by Suspected DUI Driver

Huntington Beach was rocked by a heartbreaking event Saturday evening, July 12, 2025, when an 85-year-old woman met a tragic fate after being struck by a vehicle driven by a suspected DUI driver.

The Accident

The mishap unfolded around 6 p.m. near the intersection of Brookhurst Street and Crailet Drive. The victim, identified as Caryl Margulies, was reportedly wandering in the area at the time of the accident. This was not the first time Margulies had gone missing; she had been reported missing several times before. It was noted that she suffered from dementia, which likely contributed to her vulnerability during that time.

On the day of the accident, Caryl was last seen around Reef Lane and Saline Drive, just hours before the tragedy struck. Her life came to a shocking halt when she was hit by a white Toyota RAV4 that was traveling north on Brookhurst. The vehicle struck her south of the intersection, leaving her unconscious in the roadway.

Aftermath of the Accident

Emergency responders rushed to the scene, quickly transporting Caryl to a nearby hospital for treatment. Tragically, despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. The loss of life, especially of someone so venerable, has shocked the community and raised serious questions about safety on local roads.

The driver of the RAV4, a 62-year-old man from Costa Mesa, remained at the scene following the incident. Authorities arrested him on suspicion of DUI, noting that impairment appears to be a factor in the case. As investigations continue, the Huntington Beach Police Department is working diligently to gather all relevant details about the crash.

A Community in Shock

The tragic death of Caryl Margulies has left many residents in Huntington Beach feeling grief-stricken and concerned about road safety. For a city that prides itself on being a tight-knit community, the loss of one of its elderly residents sends ripples of sorrow through its heart. Families are urged to be more vigilant as they maneuver through the streets, especially with the likelihood of more vulnerable pedestrians.

Authorities are reaching out to the public for assistance in piecing together the events surrounding this tragic accident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Huntington Beach Police Department’s Traffic Investigator C. Houlston at (714) 536-5559. The community’s input could be vital in ensuring justice for Caryl and helping prevent similar incidents in the future.

Looking Forward

While there are efforts underway to address and investigate this particular crash, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety for everyone. Cities across the country face the challenge of protecting their most vulnerable residents, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and children.

As the local authorities work to understand the full scope of what happened, residents of Huntington Beach hold onto memories of Caryl Margulies, hoping to learn from this tragedy to ensure that such incidents don’t happen again. The loss has started a conversation about safety on the roads and emphasizes the vital role that community vigilance and awareness play in protecting lives.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH

The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, 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 the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH

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