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Renowned Orange County Chef Rainer Schwarz Dies in Crash

4/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rainer Schwarz, 59, a renowned Orange County chef and co-owner and executive chef of Driftwood Kitchen and The Deck in Laguna Beach, died in a car crash in Dana Point on April 6, 2026.
The crash occurred on Crown Valley Parkway in Dana Point.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
He is survived by his wife, Tasha, and their son, Max.

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Story summary

Rainer Schwarz, 59, a renowned Orange County chef and co-owner and executive chef of Driftwood Kitchen and The Deck in Laguna Beach, died in a car crash in Dana Point on April 6, 2026.
The crash occurred on Crown Valley Parkway in Dana Point.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
He is survived by his wife, Tasha, and their son, Max.