(KRON/BCN) — The California Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal solo crash on Thursday night after a vehicle went off a cliff along Highway 1 at Pescadero State Beach.
A 29-year-old man sitting in the rear passenger seat of a white 2021 Kia Forte was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders, CHP Redwood City said. The driver, a 22-year-old woman, suffered major injuries, according to authorities. The front passenger, another 22-year-old woman, had a complaint of pain. All three passengers were wearing safety belts.
The solo crash was reported shortly before 10 p.m. near Highway 1 and Pescadero Creek Road.
The Kia was driving westbound on Pescadero Creek Rd. toward Hwy 1 when the car continued past the intersection and into the Pescadero State Beach parking lot, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The car drove over the edge of the cliff and “landed on its wheels approximately 100 feet down,” CHP said. The vehicle landed on its wheels, and because of a high tide, the car was partially in the water.
The driver, identified as Madeline St. Pierre of Arcata, faces charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, causing injuries to any person, according to the CHP.
Bay City News contributed to this report.
