HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — A tragic collision over the weekend has left a community in mourning following the death of 85-year-old Caryl Margulies, a missing elderly woman who was struck and killed by a suspected impaired driver. The heartbreaking incident occurred on Saturday evening, July 12, 2025, near Brookhurst Street and Crailet Drive in Huntington Beach.
At approximately 6:00 p.m., officers with the Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) were dispatched to the scene of a reported vehicle-versus-pedestrian collision. Upon arrival, officers found a woman lying unconscious in the roadway. Emergency responders quickly transported her to a nearby hospital, but despite life-saving efforts, Caryl Margulies was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
From Missing Person to Tragic Discovery
What makes this incident even more tragic is that Margulies had recently been reported missing, with family members and community members frantically searching for her in the hours before the crash. The elderly woman, described as gentle, independent, and deeply loved, had reportedly walked away from her residence earlier in the day. Concerns were raised due to her age and possible cognitive or medical issues.
For those who knew her, Caryl was a vibrant soul despite her age—a woman who loved nature, simple walks, and spending time with her grandchildren. She had lived in the community for decades and was known for her warm smile and gentle spirit.
“This is a devastating and senseless loss,” said one neighbor. “Caryl was a beloved part of our neighborhood—quiet, kind, and always full of grace. It’s painful to know her life ended like this.”
DUI Suspect Identified
The driver of the white Toyota RAV4 involved in the incident has been identified as a 62-year-old man from Costa Mesa. According to police, he remained at the scene following the collision and was not physically injured. After field sobriety testing and further evaluation, he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI).
Initial findings indicate the vehicle was traveling northbound on Brookhurst Street when it struck Margulies just south of Crailet Drive. The area is residential and often busy with both foot and vehicle traffic. It remains unclear at this time whether Margulies was crossing the street, walking along it, or if any contributing factors on her part were involved. Police have not released information regarding lighting conditions or whether crosswalks were nearby.
Investigation Ongoing
The case is now under the review of the Huntington Beach Police Department’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT), which specializes in serious and fatal traffic collisions. Investigators are working to determine the full sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have relevant dashcam footage or surveillance to come forward. Those with information are encouraged to contact HBPD Traffic Investigator C. Houlston at (714) 536-5559.
Community Grief and a Call for Accountability
As news of Caryl Margulies’ identity spread, an outpouring of grief emerged from both family and community members. Messages of condolence and heartbreak have filled social media, with many expressing sorrow over how a woman who had lived a long, peaceful life could be taken so abruptly—and so avoidably.
“This didn’t need to happen,” said a close family friend. “Someone made a reckless choice, and now an entire family is shattered.”
Local advocates are also using the tragedy to renew calls for stronger DUI prevention efforts, especially involving older and vulnerable pedestrians. With impaired driving remaining one of the leading causes of fatal traffic collisions in California, safety officials continue to push for public awareness, sobriety checkpoints, and expanded education on pedestrian safety.
Remembering Caryl Margulies
Caryl Margulies was a mother, grandmother, and friend whose life spanned generations of love and memories. She was a woman of quiet strength, deeply involved with her family, and appreciated by neighbors who knew her as a kind and familiar face.
Her loss will be felt for years to come—not just by those who shared her last name, but by an entire community that mourns the way she was taken. Her memory will live on in the stories told by loved ones, the laughter of grandchildren, and the legacy of warmth she left behind.
Rest in peace, Caryl Margulies.
You deserved peace, not pain. Safety, not danger.
May your memory be a blessing, and may justice and compassion follow in your name.
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