Phillip Michael Villafana, a 27-year-old resident of Long Beach, California, was tragically killed on Tuesday afternoon, January 27, 2026, in a suspected DUI incident at the Orange Coin Car Wash located at 117 North Euclid Street in Santa Ana. The fatal collision occurred just before 2:30 p.m., drawing a swift response from local law enforcement and emergency services.
According to the Santa Ana Police Department, officers were dispatched following a report of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle on the car wash property. Upon arrival, they discovered Villafana pinned beneath a vehicle. Despite the efforts of the Orange County Fire Authority to extricate him, he was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
Preliminary findings indicate that Villafana had been lying in the driveway of the car wash when a vehicle entered the premises and ran over him. The driver, whose identity has not yet been publicly released, remained at the scene and was taken into custody. Authorities confirmed that the individual was booked on suspicion of driving under the influence, though further details about the driver’s condition or statements have not been disclosed.
The incident has left the local community stunned, particularly those who frequent the Orange Coin Car Wash, a well-known business in the area. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as emergency crews worked to free Villafana from under the vehicle. The car wash temporarily ceased operations as investigators processed the scene and gathered evidence.
Villafana’s death has sparked conversations about the ongoing dangers of impaired driving, especially in public spaces where pedestrians are vulnerable. Advocates for road safety have reiterated the importance of responsible driving and the need for increased awareness and enforcement to prevent such tragedies.
As the investigation continues, the Santa Ana Police Department is urging anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. Phillip Michael Villafana is being remembered by friends and family as a kind-hearted individual whose life was cut short in a senseless and preventable act. His passing adds to the growing toll of DUI-related fatalities in California, underscoring the urgent need for community vigilance and accountability.