[08-13-2026] Santa Cruz County, CA – One Killed, Another Injured After Vehicle Plunges Into Ocean near Steamer Lane

One person died, and another suffered minor injuries after a vehicle drove off West Cliff Drive and into the ocean in Santa Cruz early Thursday morning, August 13, 2026.

According to the Santa Cruz Fire Department, Santa Cruz Regional 911 received a report around 12:50 a.m. of a vehicle that had gone off a cliff near Steamer Lane. 

Emergency personnel responded and found one occupant who had gotten out of the vehicle without assistance.

Santa Cruz Fire rescue swimmers entered the water to search for a second occupant who remained inside the submerged vehicle. Crews removed the person and confirmed that no additional occupants were inside.

The person who escaped the vehicle sustained minor injuries. The second occupant was transported to a nearby medical facility and later died. Authorities have not released the identity of the person who died.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.