Santa Cruz County, CA – A man who had been reported missing from Moss Landing was found dead in a single-vehicle crash Monday afternoon, January 26, 2026, in the Santa Cruz Mountains, according to KSBW, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reported that the accident took place at approximately 3:35 p.m., along Highway 17 south of Vine Hill Road.
CHP officials said the exact timing of the crash remains uncertain, but investigators have determined it occurred sometime between January 21 and January 26.
A preliminary investigation indicated that a 60-year-old man from Moss Landing was driving a red 1990 Mazda Miata southbound on Highway 17 when the vehicle left the roadway, went down an embankment, and collided with a tree west of the southbound lanes.
Emergency responders pronounced the man deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. CHP confirmed that he was the same individual reported missing from Moss Landing on January 22, 2026.
Investigators have not yet determined whether alcohol or drugs were contributing factors. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office will release the identity of the victim.
CHP officers continue to examine the crash site, document evidence, and coordinate recovery of the vehicle, which was removed by a flatbed tow truck. Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the California Highway Patrol.
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.
For more information on Wrongful Death Claims, visit MaisonLaw.com.
