Crime & Safety

Woman Still in Coma After Being Hit by Car on Laguna Canyon Road

The woman was in a crosswalk when she was struck by an SUV Sunday night.

A female pedestrian remains in a coma after being struck by a car Sunday night while crossing Laguna Canyon Road.

The unidentified woman—whose name has not been released, but was listed as being 65 years old and a Lake Forest resident—was in the crosswalk in front of the Laguna Playhouse 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 went flying nearly 50 feet from the impact site.

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.

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Police investigators are presently trying to sort out details from the accident, including 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,” said Cota.

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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.”


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