Driver who died after car went over La Jolla cliff into ocean identified

David Scott Lapensee, 76, tragically died after his vehicle went off a cliff into the ocean in La Jolla on Tuesday evening. Responders from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department rescued him within 13 minutes, but he was pronounced dead at Scripps Memorial Hospital shortly after. The crash occurred off Coast Boulevard near the Children's Pool, and no other individuals were found in or around the vehicle. Lifeguards faced challenging conditions during the recovery, as the car landed in an area known as "the hole," characterized by strong currents and recirculating water. Investigators are focusing on recovering the car's crash recorder to ascertain what led to the incident.

The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office has yet to release a cause or manner of death. This incident highlights the potential dangers of coastal driving, particularly near cliffside areas. Local authorities will likely review safety measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.