Fatal Huntington Beach Crash on PCH, Warner Avenue | DUI Suspected

Woman, 54, Crashes into Wetlands; Long Beach Man Taken Into Custody

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (April 16, 2026) – A 54-year-old Long Beach woman died in a crash on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) after her car was rear-ended and she was pushed into the wetlands in Huntington Beach.

Meanwhile, authorities are investigating the deadly collision involving a 23-year-old suspected DUI driver around 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15th, according to the Huntington Beach Police Department.

The woman was reportedly driving a silver Kia Soul on PCH when the driver of a white BMW 328i rear-ended her vehicle, catapulting her vehicle into the marsh where it became partially submerged, police said.

Huntington Beach police officers, along with local lifeguards, responded to rescue the woman who was trapped in her vehicle. She was taken to a hospital, but sadly died from her injuries.

Police detained the BMW driver, Lukas McHargue, 23, of Long Beach, to determine if impairment was a factor. He was later booked on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI with alcohol and drugs, causing bodily injury.

The HBPD Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team is handling the investigation and asking witnesses to contact HBPD Traffic Investigator V. Rattanchandani at 714-960-5231.

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).