Nationwide — A 64-year-old man, identified as James Politoski, died while teaching his 15-year-old daughter how to drive in Laguna Beach, California. The teen reportedly lost control of the car, which crashed down a 40-foot embankment and landed upside down. The crash happened on Memorial Day afternoon in the upper parking lot of a closed Gelson’s Market, according to 11Alive. Politoski was in the passenger seat while his daughter, a permit holder, was behind the wheel for a driving lesson.
At some point during the lesson, the teen reportedly lost control of the car. It broke through a fence and dropped roughly 40 feet down to the Pacific Coast Highway, landing upside down on the sidewalk.
Emergency crews arrived and pronounced Politoski dead at the scene. His daughter suffered serious injuries and was taken to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. She stayed in the hospital but was expected to survive.
Laguna Beach Police described the crash as “a tragic incident” and extended condolences to the family. Authorities said the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
