06/20/2026
‼️ 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.