LWer dies in the first of 2 separate crashes on SB Boulevard
SB POLICE
Driver charged with DUI in fatal crash on Nov. 4
by Ruth Osborn
rutho_news@lwsb.com
Within the space of two days, two separate crashes on Seal Beach Boulevard between Westminster Avenue and St. Andrews Drive claimed the lives of two people, one of them a six-year resident of Mutual 1 who was on her way to lunch with her sister.
Guadalupe “Lupe” Lupita Ibarra died after being transported to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, according to her daughter Sonia Amaral.
Ibarra and her sister, Maria Solis, were turning onto Seal Beach Boulvard from St. Andrews Drive at about 3:40 p.m. on Nov. 4 when their car was struck in the intersection by a suspected drunk driver, according to a Seal Beach police report.
Orange County Fire Authority transported both drivers and Ibarra’s sister to local hospitals.
Ibarra died at the hospital as a result of injuries sustained in the collision, police reported. Her sister was hospitalized but is expected to recover.
The driver of the other car was identified as German Juarez, 29, of Los Angeles.
He sustained minor injuries and was later arrested for felony driving under the influence of alcohol and vehicular manslaughter. Upon his release from the hospital, Juarez was booked at the Orange County Jail.
Police closed Seal Beach Boulevard in both directions from Westminster Boulevard to Golden Rain Road to clear the accident and begin an investigation.
St. Andrews Gate was also closed. Detoured rush hour traffic snarled freeway on-ramps and alternate arterial roads for several hours.
Ibarra was well known in LW. She was an active member of the American Latino Club and loved attending concerts, activities and especially, the dances. She was always positive and happy, according to her daughter Sonia Amaral.
“She loved her friends and enjoyed hosting people at her place. As a strong godly woman, she was always available to pray, comfort and support others. She is survived by three daughters, two sons, four grandchildren and two great granddaughters.”
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Traffic Investigator Officer Erin Enos at (562) 799-4100, ext. 1605, or eenos@sealbeachca.gov.
In the second collision on Nov. 6, an unidentified man died after being involved in a singlecar crash, according to a police report.
At about 1:23 a.m., Seal Beach police officers observed a northbound vehicle speeding on Seal Beach Boulevard approaching the intersection with Westminster Avenue.
Seconds later, the driver lost control, and the vehicle collided with a large tree in the center median. Officers attempted to render aid but Orange County Fire Authority pronounced the driver dead at the scene.
No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and the driver had no passengers. Seal Beach Boulevard was shut down in both directions while officers investigated. It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were a factor.
This is also an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Traffic Investigator Officer Hector Mercado at (562) 799-4100, ext. 1635, or hmercado@sealbeachca.gov.
