Santa Cruz County, CA – On the afternoon of Saturday, June 20, 2026, a single-vehicle collision resulted in the death of a 72-year-old Ben Lomond man after his van crashed into a tree, according to KSBW, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 12:01 PM on southbound Highway 17 south of Vine Hill Road.
Authorities said the man was driving a 2025 Ford Transit van southbound when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle went off the roadway and struck a tree west of the highway, coming to rest on its side approximately five feet from the road. The driver was found trapped inside the vehicle with an abdominal injury and blood around his mouth, pinned by his seatbelt. Multiple bystanders stopped to assist before emergency personnel arrived. Fire department crews worked an extended extrication, with all southbound lanes shut down at times to facilitate the process. The driver was extracted and transported to a landing zone off Vine Hill School Road, where an air ambulance was requested. He was pronounced dead following the crash.
The vehicle was relocated to 7 Erba Lane in Scotts Valley following the conclusion of on-scene proceedings. Changeable message signs were activated to alert northbound traffic of the collision ahead. The roadway was fully reopened at approximately 2:43 PM.
Investigators have not determined whether alcohol or drugs were contributing factors. The identity of the deceased was to be released by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff-Coroner's Office. Anyone with information is asked to contact CHP dispatch. The investigation remains ongoing.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s comparative negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages through a wrongful death claim.
For more information on wrongful death claims, visit MaisonLaw.com.
