Irvine Police Department Press Release

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
1 Civic Center Plaza
Irvine, CA 92606
irvinepd.org

09/27/2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release #:
09272021
Contact:
Lieutenant Bill Bingham
949-724-7362
bbingham@cityofirvine.org

Irvine Police Department Investigating Fatal Traffic Collision

A 61-year-old woman has died from injuries sustained in a traffic collision. 

This morning at approximately 4:11 a.m., the Irvine Police Department (IPD) and Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) responded to a traffic collision between a Toyota Prius and Mercedes-Benz C300. The collision occurred at the intersection of Sand Canyon and Irvine Center Drive.   

One driver, Kyu Chen, a 61-year-old resident of Irvine, was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Despite the efforts of OCFA and medical personnel, she died at the hospital.  

The second driver, Luis Marcial Diaz, a 21-year-old resident of Irvine, has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs. 

IPD’s Major Accident Investigation Team is investigating this case. IPD is asking witnesses to contact Detective Roberto Solis at 949-724-7024 or RSolis@cityofirvine.org

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Since its incorporation in 1971, Irvine has become a nationally recognized city, with a population of 310,250 that spans 66 square miles and is recognized as one of America’s safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine’s enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space and is the home of Great Park. For more information, please visit cityofirvine.org.