Authorities with the Fullerton Police Department said the crash happened Sunday morning at Malvern and Woods avenues.
Police said Justin Drake was speeding in a 2006 Mazda when he lost control at a curve in the road and struck a tree and a retaining wall.
His female passenger, whose name was not immediately released, was critically injured and transported to a hospital trauma center where she was later pronounced dead.
Drake was being treated at a hospital for injuries.
Drake is being held on charges of felony DUI and will be transferred to the Orange County Jail after he is medically cleared.
