Overview
- A vehicle left the west edge of Highway 1, struck a call box, traveled through vegetation, and plunged onto a pocket beach near Greyhound Rock in a drop estimated at 400 to 500 feet.
- Two California State Parks lifeguards swam from Greyhound State Beach, located the occupant and performed CPR before a Cal Fire helicopter hoisted the patient to Highway 1 for transfer to an ambulance.
- The sole occupant, reported by multiple outlets as a 58-year-old man from Santa Rosa, was pronounced dead at the scene after rescue and resuscitation efforts.
- The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash and whether drugs, alcohol, speed, or other factors contributed, and an autopsy has been ordered to help determine cause of death.
- The Monday cliff plunge underscores recurring safety hazards on scenic, cliff-lined stretches of Highway 1 and prompted officials to urge safe speed, seatbelt use, and no impaired driving.