14-year-old dies at Costa Mesa High School

Update:

At approximately 4:30 PM on Wednesday, March 10^th, Eric Valdez, an 8^th grader, suddenly collapsed while playing handball on the CMHS campus. Costa Mesa Police Department responded and began CPR. Eric was transported to the hospital by the Costa Mesa Fire Department where doctors could not revive him. The coroner has determined this to be an unexpected natural death. Crisis counselors have been on the CMHS campus this morning and will continue throughout the day. 

A 14-year-old eighth grader died yesterday afternoon on campus at Costa Mesa High School.

The boy, whose named has not been released, was playing handball at the time and suddenly collapsed. First responders immediately began CPR. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities have initially termed it an "unexpected natural death."

Crisis counselors are on site at Costa Mesa High School to meet with the grief-stricken students.

Debbie Simon, major Newport Beach socialite, dies; she was 53

Debbie Simon, one of Newport Beach's better known socialites, died Thursday at her Harbor Island home. She was 53. The cause of death wasn't given.

The former Miss New York moved to Newport Beach in 2001 and quickly established herself as a major player in Orange County philanthropic circles. She served on the board of Hoag Hospital's 552 Club and Angels of the Arts of Orange County, and was involved in many other charities, including Junior Diabetes Research Foundation.

"She was a wonderful person, extremely generous, and had a kind and loving heart," said close friend Rosalie Pulio. "She never turned anyone away."

Simon, a divorcee, often allowed her Harbor Island mansion, reported to be worth $36 million, to be used for charity events.

Despite her move to Orange County, Simon remained a resident of New Jersey, and often traveled to the East Coast.

Simon was survived by her parents, four siblings and three grown children. A funeral is set for next week in New Jersey. A memorial service in Newport Beach is being planned for later this month.