Santa Cruz County, CA (September 20, 2025) – An 80-year-old woman from Felton was killed in a head-on collision on Highway 9 near Ben Lomond Saturday morning.
Accident Details: According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 8:20 a.m. just south of Brackney Road. The woman was driving a red 1967 Volkswagen Beetle northbound when she collided head-on with a silver 2006 Toyota Sequoia traveling in the opposite direction.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and attempted life-saving measures, but the woman sustained major injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Toyota was not injured in the crash.
The collision forced partial closures on Highway 9 as officers and crews documented the scene and cleared the wreckage. CHP reminded motorists about seatbelt use in their statement following the tragedy, emphasizing that proper restraint use significantly improves survival chances in serious crashes.
Investigation: Authorities have not determined how fast the Volkswagen was traveling at the time of the collision. It remains unclear whether impairment or other contributing factors played a role. CHP stated that the circumstances are still under investigation.
Investigators will likely analyze skid marks, debris, and the final positions of the vehicles to reconstruct the sequence of events. Mechanical inspections of both cars, as well as toxicology reports, may provide additional insight into what led to the deadly impact.
Witness accounts may also prove important in determining whether either driver attempted evasive action or if roadway conditions played a role.
Legal Considerations: Fatal head-on collisions frequently raise questions of liability, especially when investigators cannot immediately determine which vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic. Families of victims may pursue wrongful death claims, which can provide compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one.
Because Highway 9 is a two-lane road with winding stretches, crashes in the area often involve dangerous passing or misjudged curves. This tragedy underscores the risks drivers face on narrow highways where oncoming traffic is separated only by painted lines.
My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the woman who tragically lost her life in this Santa Cruz County crash.
Source: KRON4