Family, Friends Mourn OC Restaurateur Killed In Crash

NEWPORT BEACH (CBS) —Friends and family are mourning the loss of an Orange County chef and restaurateur killed in a multi-car crash on the 101 Freeway in Ventura County.

Eric Doran of Newport Beach was fatally injured in an accident that occurred about 5 a.m. Friday, the Orange County Register reported.

Doran's wife, Kat, who was riding in the Model-A "T-Box roadster" was critically injured. The couple was headed to a car show in Santa Maria.

California Highway Patrol officers said traffic slowed because of construction and Doran's car struck a Honda Accord in front of him, and Dodge Ram crashed into Doran's car.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, 36-year-old Doran was planning on opening a second restaurant. He opened Eat Chow with his business partner, Brian McReynolds, two years ago. Flowers were left outside the Costa Mesa restaurant, which was closed Saturday.

"Eric had more talent in his pinky finger when it came to cooking than anyone else I can imagine," Patti Larson, a friend, told the newspaper.

Funeral plans are pending.

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