Overview
- The crash was reported around 10:39 a.m. Sunday on State Route 17 south of Vine Hill Road in Santa Cruz County.
- The black 2025 Toyota Tacoma left the southbound lanes, struck a tree west of the roadway, then hit the center median and came to rest in the left lane of northbound traffic.
- The driver sustained major injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.
- Highway 17 was closed for several hours during the investigation and has since reopened.
- Investigators have not released the man's name and ask witnesses to contact CHP dispatch at 831-796-2160.