Yorba Linda teen driver dies after car strikes tree on Friday night
Orange County deputies say a 16-year-old from Placentia was killed and a 15-year-old passenger remains in critical condition following a two-vehicle collision near Ohio Street.
By Sanjay Caldwell ·
Matthew Andres Santome, a 16-year-old student from Placentia, died following a car crash in Yorba Linda on Friday, November 6, at approximately 8 p.m. The Orange County Sheriff's Department identified him as the driver of one of the two vehicles involved in the collision. A 15-year-old girl riding in the car was transported to a hospital in critical condition and remained in that state as of Saturday morning.
Deputies responded to the scene near the intersection of Yorba Linda Boulevard and Ohio Street. Officials stated that one vehicle struck a tree, causing severe damage, while the second car sustained minor harm. The two teenagers were the only people injured in the accident. The driver of the other vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement officers.
El Dorado High School Principal Michael Zides confirmed that Santome was an 11th grader at the school. Zides stated that law enforcement informed him the female passenger attends Yorba Linda High School. In a message sent to the school community, Zides described the loss of the student as tragic. He noted that grief counselors would be present on the El Dorado campus throughout the week to provide support to students.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department has not yet determined the cause of the crash. Investigators are currently examining the circumstances of the collision. Authorities indicated that they do not suspect drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident. The Major Accident Investigation Team is leading the inquiry into the event.
Local officials have requested that anyone with information about the crash contact the OCSD Major Accident Investigation Team at 949-425-1860. Residents can also submit anonymous tips to Orange County Crime Stoppers by calling 855-TIP-OCCS. The investigation remains open as deputies continue to gather evidence from the site.
