Gomez was heading southbound on Fairview Street when he lost control of his 2007 Chevrolet Impala near MacArthur Boulevard around 7:40 p.m. The car hit a tree in a median, and the 15-year-old died almost instantly, said police.
"A preliminary investigation revealed that just prior to the accident Gomez was inhaling automotive-grade nitrous oxide while driving," /*Santa Ana police*/ Cmdr. Steve Colon said.
According to authorities, Gomez was critically injured, and two other passengers were taken to hospitals.
City News Service contributed to this report.
