Tourist Pair Hit by Car; 1 Dead and 1 Critically Hurt

A New Zealand tourist was fatally injured and his female companion critically injured when they were hit by a car driven by a Fullerton woman, Buena Park police said Monday.

Joseph Graham, 32, and Dene Henry, 30, were crossing Beach Boulevard at El Capitan Way about 9 p.m. Sunday when struck by the car of Melinda Rachmann, 20.

Authorities said the victims apparently had crossed the three northbound lanes and were hit after entering the southbound lanes.

“I think this was a case of Melinda driving along the street and then some people were all of a sudden in front of her,” said Sgt. Michael Borregard. “It was probably the pedestrians’ fault.”

Police said the driver did not exceed the 45-m.p.h. speed limit.

The victims were thought to have been staying at a nearby hotel since Friday.

Graham was pronounced dead of multiple injuries at La Palma Intercommunity Hospital at 12:47 a.m. Monday. Henry was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange, where she remains in critical condition.

Rachmann was treated at the scene for minor injuries. The two passengers with her, ages 24 and 23, were not injured. Police said Rachmann was not intoxicated and was not arrested. They said the accident remains under investigation.