Christopher Dougherty, 73, Killed in Lake Forest Crash; Driver, 22, Arrested
LAKE FOREST, Calif. (August 11, 2026) – A 22-year-old driver faces DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges after the death of Christopher Dougherty, 73, on Thursday night in a two-vehicle crash in Lake Forest.
The deadly collision occurred around 9:40 p.m. on Thursday, August 6th at El Toro Road and via Ridgeline Road in Lake Forest, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Joel Obed MendezCamargo, 22, of Lake Forest, was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision and did not have a valid driver’s license.
The suspect was arrested with a blood-alcohol level of 0.13 and is charged with multiple felonies, including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, and DUI with a blood-alcohol level of .08% or more causing injury. There is also a sentencing enhancement for causing great bodily injury to an elder. He was also given an infraction for driving without a valid license.
MendezCamargo appeared Monday at his arraignment at the Central Justice Center, but did not enter a plea. The arraignment was rescheduled for Aug. 26 in the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach. bail was set at $100,000.
Anyone with additional information that may assist in the investigation can contact MAIT at (949) 425-1860 or anonymous tips can be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS or www.ocsheriff.gov/occrimestoppers.
Got Legal Questions? Get Answers: 1-800-208-3538
When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
