On Friday evening, a severe traffic collision claimed the life of an elderly Dana Point man and left another person with serious injuries, as reported by the Orange County Sheriff's Department. The accident, involving a Land Rover SUV and a Ford Transit van, occurred at the intersection of Golden Lantern and Stonehill Drive.
Initial findings from the sheriff's department indicate that the Land Rover, driven by 48-year-old Serene Francie Rosenberg of Dana Point, was going westbound on Stonehill Drive when it made a left turn on a red arrow, colliding head-on with the eastbound Ford Transit van. The Transit's driver was hospitalized with injuries deemed serious but non-fatal. However, passenger Melvin Joseph Weibel, 88, also of Dana Point, did not survive the impact and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rosenberg was arrested under suspicion of DUI with three prior convictions, adding to the gravity of the incident. She has been charged with CPC 187(a) – Murder, and CVC 23153(a) – DUI Causing Injury. She is currently being held at the Orange County Jail, marking a stringent response from law enforcement to repeated offenses of driving under the influence.
The investigation is ongoing, with the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department spearheading the efforts. Authorities are reaching out to the public for assistance. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information to aid the investigation is encouraged to contact the Orange County Sheriff's Department Traffic Bureau at 949-425-1860. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers by calling 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
