SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. — A tragic head-on collision on State Route 9 south of Brackney Road has claimed the life of an 80-year-old Felton woman, authorities confirmed Saturday morning. The crash occurred around 8:20 a.m. and involved two vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
Details of the Crash
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the fatal crash involved a red 1967 Volkswagen Beetle traveling northbound and a silver 2006 Toyota Sequoia traveling southbound. The driver of the Beetle, an 80-year-old woman from Felton, sustained major injuries in the collision. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by emergency responders, she was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the Toyota, a 24-year-old woman from Santa Cruz, was not injured in the crash.
Investigation Ongoing
The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation. CHP officials have not confirmed whether alcohol or drugs were factors, and speed at the time of the crash has not been determined. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office is responsible for releasing information regarding the deceased.
Captain Grimm, commander of the CHP Santa Cruz Area office, issued a reminder to drivers:
“Seatbelts are the single safest choice drivers and passengers can make. They significantly increase your chance of survival in the event of a crash.”
Community Impact
The sudden loss of the Felton woman has left family, friends, and the local community in mourning. Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of crashes, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities even at relatively low speeds.
Authorities encourage all drivers to exercise caution on rural and winding roads such as State Route 9, particularly in areas with heavy morning traffic.
CHP’s Ongoing Commitment
The CHP emphasized that its mission is to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security to the public. Officers continue to investigate the crash thoroughly and are urging anyone with information to contact the CHP Santa Cruz Area office.
As the investigation continues, the community reflects on the tragedy and the importance of road safety measures, including seatbelt use, attentive driving, and adherence to traffic laws.
The collision remains under active investigation, and further updates will be provided by CHP as more information becomes available.
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