SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — An 80-year-old woman from Felton died Saturday morning in a head-on crash on Highway 9 near Ben Lomond, Santa Cruz County.
The victim was driving a 1967 red Volkswagen Beetle northbound when it collided head-on with a 2006 silver Toyota Sequoia traveling southbound, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The crash occurred around 8:20 a.m., just south of Brackney Road.
CHP reported that the Beetle’s driver sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts. The Sequoia driver was unharmed.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not yet determined the Volkswagen’s speed or whether alcohol or drugs were involved.
Following the incident, CHP emphasized the importance of seatbelt safety, noting that wearing a seatbelt is the most effective way to protect drivers and passengers in a crash.
