Watsonville, CA (March 22, 2024) – The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office has identified 20-year-old Jason Harrell-Sullivan, a resident of Watsonville with former ties to Sonora, as the pedestrian fatally struck on Highway 1 last week. The tragic incident occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on March 22 near Main Street.
Incident Overview: According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Harrell-Sullivan was hit by a northbound 2019 Honda Civic in the highway’s slow lane. At the time of the accident, he was reportedly wearing dark clothing and stepped in front of the vehicle, making it difficult for the driver to avoid the collision.
Investigation and Safety Concerns: The CHP is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading up to the crash. This incident highlights the critical importance of pedestrian visibility, especially during nighttime hours. There are certain details that would help give a full picture of the accident, such as the street lighting at the location of the collision. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, Harrell-Sullivan’s family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim for their loss.
My heart goes out to the friends and family of Jason Harrell-Sullivan after this terrible accident. I hope the investigation reveals more details about the visibility conditions at the time of the collision. In the meantime, I also hope that those affected by this tragedy receive the support they need during this difficult time.
Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel