Newport Coast man dies in early morning accident

-- Deepa Bharath

A 44-year-old Newport Coast resident died after he lost control of his

car and crashed into a tree early Friday, officials said.

Michael Duffy was driving eastbound on San Joaquin Hills Road about

1:50 a.m. when he lost control and stuck a tree in the median, police

said.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. A 36-year-old woman who was a

passenger in the vehicle was taken to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo

and treated for a fractured finger.

Police said both were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. The

investigation into the crash is continuing.