Jorge Erasto Cruz Arrested in Fatal DUI Collision in Irvine

Two people died as the result of a drunk driver on Sunday morning in Irvine. 

Alice Read, 25, and an unidentified man were those who sadly lost their lives on November 14th. 

The collision took place at 2:10 a.m. on the southbound Santa Ana (5) Freeway near Yale Avenue. 

According to CHP, twice-convicted DUI driver Jorge Cruz, 33, was arrested and is being held on $1 million bail. 

A Honda Civic was reportedly stopped on the right shoulder when a man exited and was struck by a passing Honda. 

In an attempt to avoid the man, Cruz veered off the road and crashed into the back of the Honda Civic. 

The man who exited the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Alice Read was in the middle of the backseat of the pulled over Honda when Cruz struck the car. She was rushed to a local hospital where she sadly ended up succumbing to her injuries. 

Cruz was on five years probation for two previous DUIs. 

JT Legal Group sends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Alice Read and the unidentified man. 

According to NHTSA, more than a quarter (25%) of accident-related deaths are linked to the use of alcohol. With that being said, according to the CDC, there are 30 people that are killed everyday in a car accident as a result of an alcohol-impaired driver. That is equivalent to one death every 50 minutes.  

If your injuries are caused by the negligence of a third party you may be entitled to compensation. In the event of a death, families may also be entitled to wrongful death benefits.

If you or a loved one need legal help following an accident, contact JT Legal Group at (888) 529-3111.