Santa Clara County, CA – On the evening of Monday, June 22, 2026, a single-vehicle collision on Highway 9 in the Santa Cruz Mountains resulted in the deaths of three people, according to KSBW, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 9:37 PM on Highway 9 west of Redwood Gulch Road.
Authorities said a 21-year-old Yuba City man was driving a 2024 BMW M3 eastbound on Highway 9 when, for unknown reasons, he apparently lost control of the vehicle. The BMW went off the road and down a steep embankment approximately 300 feet.
All three occupants of the vehicle, the driver and two passengers, a 27-year-old man from Salem, Oregon, and a 17-year-old San Jose boy, died from their injuries.
Family members gathered at the scene on State Route 9 just east of Redwood Gulch Road and were attended to by Santa Clara County Fire Department personnel, with a group of approximately 20 family members also gathering at Saratoga Springs seeking information.
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office assisted with on-scene support. A SigAlert was issued closing State Route 9 in both directions east of Redwood Gulch Road, with the roadway reopened and the SigAlert cancelled at approximately 2:15 AM. An evidence tow was requested for the BMW, which was transported to a tow yard following the conclusion of recovery operations.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the San Jose CHP office. The investigation remains ongoing.
Passenger Liability
A driver’s liability coverage extends to those inside their vehicle as well as outside. In many cases, those passengers are someone who knows the driver personally. So, when a passenger is injured and their driver is found liable, they may feel reluctant to file a claim against the driver’s insurance.
In many cases, however, a wrongful death claim may be required for an insurer to offer a fair settlement that covers the injured party’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident. A personal injury attorney can facilitate this process and, as a neutral third party, help navigate any emotional complexities that may arise.
Santa Cruz Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Santa Cruz fatal car accident lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
