On Friday, July 17, 2026, at 12:33 am, the Newport Beach Police Department Dispatch Center received 911 calls regarding a vehicle fire on Back Bay Drive (approximately 1 mile north of San Joaquin Hills Road). Upon arrival, Officers determined a vehicle (2021 Tesla Model Y) was overturned and fully engulfed in flames. The Newport Beach Fire Department worked for over an hour to put the fire out, at which time they discovered a deceased male inside the vehicle. The NBPD Major Accident Investigation Team responded to the scene to conduct an investigation.

At this time, Investigators believe the vehicle was traveling eastbound on Back Bay Road at a high rate of speed when it left the roadway, landing on its roof and catching on fire. It is unknown at this time if impairment was a factor. Identification of the driver will be withheld pending notification to next of kin by the Orange County Coroner’s Office. Anyone who may have information about this collision is encouraged to contact Sergeant Sabrina Fabbri at sfabbri@nbpd.org.