Man, 19, Dies in Crash; Driver May Face Charges

A Santa Ana man was under criminal investigation for speeding and drunk driving after a passenger in his car died in a crash early Sunday, police said.

Andre Keith Pirl, 22, lost control heading east on McFadden Avenue near Fairview Street and hit a palm tree about 12:30 a.m., said Lt. Dan McDermott.

The passenger, Scott Mendoza, 19, of Fountain Valley, died of his injuries, McDermott said.

Evidence at the scene suggested that Pirl had been drinking, said Sgt. Brad Sadler.