Lyft Driver Accused Of Falling Asleep, Crashing And Killing 70-Year-Old Passenger

A 30-year-old Southern California man who worked as a Lyft driver was arrested Wednesday on vehicular manslaughter charges in connection with the death of a 70-year-old passenger three months ago.

The driver, identified as Andy Van Pham, was booked in Orange County, California, and is now being held on $10,000 bail, People reported, citing online jail records.

The arrest came months after the April crash that killed California resident Margie Quibol, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

The Lyft driver allegedly fell asleep behind the wheel and lost control of the vehicle around 7 a.m. on April 4 in Tustin, California, a representative for the Tustin Police Department confirmed. The car hit a light pole.

The 70-year-old passenger suffered traumatic injuries from the crash and later died from her injuries, according to police.

"After an extensive investigation by the Tustin Police Department's Major Accident Investigation Team, it was determined the driver, 30-year-old Andy Van Pham was driving with negligence, resulting in the death of the victim," police said in a statement.

Pham made his first appearance in court Friday. He pleaded not guilty to charges including manslaughter, possession of drug paraphernalia, providing false information to a police officer and making an unsafe turn or lane change, East Bay Times reported.

He is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 9 for a pre-trial hearing in the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.

Following the incident, Pham has been permanently deactivated as a driver by Lyft. The company said it is cooperating with authorities as the investigation into the April incident continues.

"We are heartbroken by this tragic incident and our hearts are with the rider's family during this incredibly difficult time," read the official statement from Lyft shared by CBS News.