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Driver Identified After Van Plunges Off Santa Cruz Wharf as Dog Survives

Police have opened an inquiry into how the vehicle breached the railing after a rescue hindered by heavy surf with near‑zero visibility.

Overview

  • The coroner identified the driver as William Westerman, 65, of Scotts Valley.
  • Emergency calls came at 9:44 a.m. Sunday, and the van was found on its roof about 30 feet down roughly 10 minutes later with all windows intact.
  • Divers smashed a window to remove the lone occupant in about 30–33 minutes, and the person was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
  • A dog recovered near the submerged vehicle was taken for emergency care and is expected to survive.
  • About 13 lifeguards, two personal watercraft and two boats took part; the wharf has limited access, a temporary safety railing is in place, and police are investigating.