CHP - Santa Cruz

‼️ FATAL CRASH ON SOUTHBOUND STATE ROUTE 17 ‼️

Santa Cruz County, Calif. - On June 20, 2026, at approximately 12:01 p.m., CHP officers responded to a crash on southbound State Route 17, south of Vine Hill Road. A 72-year-old man from Ben Lomond was driving a 2025 Ford Transit van southbound State Route 17 south of Vine Hill Road at an unknown speed.
For reasons still under investigation, the Ford travelled off the roadway and crashed with a tree located west of southbound State Route 17. As a result of the crash, the driver sustained major injuries and was later pronounced deceased, despite life-saving efforts. The driver was the only occupant in the Ford and was wearing a seatbelt.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were factors in the crash. Anyone with potentially helpful information is asked to call CHP dispatch at (831) 796-2160.

Information regarding the deceased victim is available through the Santa Cruz County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.

Captain Boles, Commander of the CHP Santa Cruz Area Office, related that the CHP extends its deepest condolences to the driver’s family and friends for this unfortunate crash. We would like to remind the motoring public to drive at a safe speed for the current conditions, never drive distracted, always wear your seatbelt, and never drive impaired.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security.

‼️ FATAL CRASH: EMPIRE GRADE SOUTH OF ALBA ROAD ‼️

Santa Cruz County, Calif. - On June 19, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., CHP officers responded to a crash on Empire Grade south of Alba Road. A 28-year-old man from New Jersey was driving a black 2023 BMW S1000RR motorcycle at an unknown speed southbound on Empire Grade south of Alba Road. For reasons still under investigation, the driver lost
control of the BMW, and the driver and the BMW crashed with the asphalt roadway. After the initial crash, the BMW and the driver continued in a south-easterly direction and travelled off the roadway. The rider crashed with a pole, and the BMW came to rest down an embankment both located east of southbound Empire Grade. As a result of the crash, the driver was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel despite life-saving measures.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs are factors in this crash.

Information regarding the deceased victim is available through the Santa Cruz County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.

Captain Boles, Commander of the CHP Santa Cruz Area office, related that the CHP extends our deepest condolences to the driver’s family and friends on this unfortunate crash. We like to remind motorcyclists to always wear their helmet and protective gear. Stay alert and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Make sure to regularly check your motorcycle to ensure it’s in good condition. Prioritize riding within your skill level and adjust for weather conditions.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security.

‼️ FATAL CRASH ON STATE ROUTE 152 ‼️

Santa Cruz County, CA - On June 14, 2026, at approximately 8:47 p.m., CHP officers responded to a crash at the intersection of State Route 152 and Casserly Road. A 19-year-old man from Watsonville was driving a white 2011 Infiniti G37 westbound on
State Route 152 east of Casserly Road at an undetermined speed. A man in his early
twenties was a passenger in the Infiniti. A 19-year-old man from Capitola was driving a gray 2026 Toyota Camry eastbound in the intersection of eastbound State Route 152 and Casserly Road at an undetermined speed. A 17-year-old girl was a passenger in the Toyota. For reasons still under investigation, a crash occurred between the Infiniti and the Toyota in the intersection of State Route 152 and Casserly Road. As a result of the crash, both occupants of the Toyota sustained major injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel. The driver of the Infiniti sustained major injuries and was transported to Natividad Medical Center
for treatment by ground ambulance. The passenger of the Infiniti sustained major injuries and was transported to Valley Medical Center for treatment by air ambulance.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Alcohol and/or drugs are being investigated as possible factors in this crash. The driver of the Infiniti was placed under arrest and is still in custody. Anyone with potentially helpful information is asked to call
CHP dispatch at (831) 796-2160.

Information regarding the deceased victims is available through the Santa CruzCounty Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.

Captain Boles, Commander of the CHP Santa Cruz Area office, related, the CHP extends our deepest sympathies to the victims’ families who lost their loved ones in this preventable tragedy. DUI crashes are preventable. Designate a sober driver, use public transportation, call a taxi, use a rideshare company, or stay where you are for the night.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety,
Service, and Security.

💥 FATAL CRASH ON HWY 9💥

On June 7, 2026, at approximately 12:40 p.m., CHP officers responded to a crash on State Route 9 south of State Route 35. A 30-year-old man from Martinez was driving a grey 2023 Ducati motorcycle at an unknown speed northbound on State Route 9 south of State Route 35. For reasons still under investigation, the rider travelled off the roadway and crashed with an embankment and a tree located east of northbound State Route 9. As a result of the crash, the driver sustained major injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel, despite life-saving efforts.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs are factors in this crash.

Information regarding the deceased victim is available through the Santa Cruz County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.

Captain Boles, Commander of the CHP Santa Cruz Area office, would like to remind everyone that it is important for motorcyclists to minimize their risks by riding responsibly;always wearing a helmet and other protective gear; and never riding after consuming
alcohol or drugs, while fatigued, or a combination thereof.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service,and Security.