A tragic accident occurred when a driver fell approximately 500 feet to his death after his vehicle plunged off a beachside cliff along California’s picturesque Highway 1 in Santa Cruz County.
Authorities have identified the deceased as a 58-year-old man from Santa Rosa. The crash happened when his car veered off the highway near Greyhound State Beach, as reported by the California Highway Patrol.
The man was driving a black 2017 Honda Pilot at an undetermined speed when the vehicle strayed from its path, hitting a call box before tumbling down the cliff into the ocean, according to officials.
Emergency crews swiftly arrived at the scene, while lifeguards from two nearby state parks swam out to locate both the vehicle and the driver, as stated by CAL Fire.
Rescue teams administered CPR to the man, and a helicopter was dispatched for a more comprehensive rescue effort.
The helicopter deployed a basket to lift the individual back to the highway, where an awaiting ambulance stood ready to provide further medical assistance.
Authorities said the driver sustained major injuries due to the crash and he was pronounced dead at the scene, despite life-saving efforts.
No one else is believed to have been in the car with the victim.
Officials said it is unclear whether any drugs or alcohol played a part in the crash.
Captain Grant Boles, commander of the CHP Santa Cruz Area, said the crash was a reminder to other motorists to drive at “a safe speed for current conditions, never drive distracted, always wear a seatbelt, and never drive impaired.”
Earlier this year, a driver was killed after falling 500 feet off a cliff near scenic Big Sur, south of the location of Monday’s crash.
The unidentified motorist was driving along Highway 1 near Hurricane Point when the vehicle launched off the road, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said.
Members of the sheriff’s Search & Rescue team, along with California Highway Patrol personnel and Big Sur Fire workers, located the vehicle more than 500 feet below the road on the craggy rocks below.
Rescuers discovered the car’s occupant, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
