Uber driver arrested for a fatal hit and run that killed a woman in Costa Mesa

COSTA MESA, Calif. (March 6, 2024) – On Sunday, March 3, 2024, a little after 12:25 a.m., officers responded to a traffic collision involving a pedestrian at the intersection of Newport Boulevard and Harbor Boulevard, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department.

Officers located the adult female pedestrian on Newport Boulevard with a life-threatening head injury. Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue also responded and initiated lifesaving measures and transported the victim to the nearest trauma hospital.

Yesterday, March 5, the 47-year-old woman, with a last known address in Costa Mesa, succumbed to her injuries and died. Her name is being withheld until next of kin is notified.

The Major Accident Investigations Team (MAIT) responded to the scene to begin their investigation. During the course of the MAIT investigation, it was determined the suspect driver was working in the area as a driver for a rideshare service, when he hit the victim pedestrian and then fled the scene.

Investigators spent the next 48 hours contacting witnesses and collecting and analyzing video and physical evidence that ultimately led to the identification of a suspect: Thomas Loranze Henry, 43, Ontario.

CMPD’s Major Accident Investigations Team aksi determined that Henry was working in the area as a driver for the ride-sharing service Uber and he was driving a silver Toyota Prius at the time of the collision, according to CMPD.

Yesterday, March 5, Henry was located, arrested, and booked on vehicular manslaughter and felony hit and run.