Lake Forest Woman Struck By Car, Now In Coma
The Lake Forest pedestrian was struck by a vehicle driven by a woman later charged with drunk driving Sunday night in Laguna Beach.
A 65-year-old Lake Forest woman remains in a coma after being struck by a car Sunday night while crossing the road in front of the Laguna Playhouse.
The woman was in the crosswalk on Laguna Canyon Road walking several feet behind her husband when she was hit by a black Toyota SUV driven by Sharon Ann Niggemann, 62, of Laguna Beach. The woman from Lake Forest, whose name has not been released, went flying nearly 50 feet from the impact.
Niggemann was arrested at the scene and eventually charged with felony DUI. She was taken to Orange County Jail, where she posted a $100,000 bond, and was later released.
Police investigators are presently trying to sort out details from the accident, such as who had the right-of-way, according to Corporal Jim Cota of the Laguna Beach Police Department.
“The motor guys are working diligently, looking at the car, and turning over every stone on this thing,” he said.
The woman suffered severe blunt traumatic injuries from the impact. “She’s not doing well at all,” Cota said. “Even if she survives her injuries, she wouldn’t be healthy. It’s not a good situation.”
