A traffic accident on New Year’s Eve claimed the lives of two people, according to the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).
On Dec. 31, at approximately 10:45pm, officers responded to the 500 block of W. Pacific Coast Highway regarding an injury traffic collision.
They discovered a 2010 Honda Civic with major damage. Long Beach Fire Department paramedics responded and determined the driver, a 23-year-old Long Beach resident, deceased at the scene. The three passengers— a 26-year-old male, an 18-year-old female and a 16-year-old male— all Long Beach residents, were transported to a local hospital with various injuries. The 26-year-old, Nelson Quinones, succumbed to his injuries on Jan. 2.
The preliminary investigation revealed the Honda was traveling eastbound on Pacific Coast Highway. According to witnesses, the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control of the vehicle and it began to spin sideways. The vehicle slid toward the south curb and collided with a light pole. It appears all occupants were seatbelted at the time of the collision. No other vehicles or parties were involved in this incident.
The Los Angeles County Coroner will determine positive identification and notify next of kin.
Those with information regarding the incident are asked to contact Detective Steve Fox of the Collision Investigation Detail at (562) 570-7110. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or text TIPLA, plus their tip, to 274637 (CRIMES) or LACrimeStoppers.org .
