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Coroner Identifies Driver Killed in 500-Foot Highway 1 Cliff Plunge Near Big Sur

The cause remains under CHP investigation.

Overview

  • Monterey County officials identified the victim as Aaron Jacob Carbajal, 28, of Salinas, following Tuesday’s crash at Hurricane Point.
  • Multiple 911 calls around 4:20 p.m. reported a vehicle off the roadway about a mile south of Bixby Creek Bridge on Highway 1.
  • Responders located the car more than 500 feet below on the rocks, where the sole occupant was pronounced dead at the scene.
  • Big Sur Fire and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office led a unified recovery that lasted until about 8:45 p.m., with strong winds and rain complicating operations.
  • Authorities say the California Highway Patrol is examining the circumstances of the plunge on this narrow, weather-prone stretch that has seen recent landslide closures and repairs.