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Cliff Crash in Santa Cruz
A car crash on West Cliff Drive near Steamers Lane in Santa Cruz sent a vehicle into the ocean, and authorities received a report that the vehicle went off a cliff at approximately 12:50 a.m. local time on Thursday, Aug. 13.
“Officials received a report that the vehicle went off a cliff on West Cliff Drive near Steamers Lane at approximately 12:50 a.m. local time on Thursday, Aug. 13”
People identified the student killed in the crash as Alli R. Singh, 19, after crews found one individual who escaped the vehicle with only minor injuries and learned that another person was still trapped inside.
People reported that the trapped person died after being pulled out of the vehicle and taken to a nearby hospital, while The Times of India described the crash as taking place near Streamer Lane.
The Times of India said the Santa Cruz Fire Department sent five of its units to the rescue operation, along with three units from Central Fire District, a battalion chief from Scotts Valley Fire and Santa Cruz police.
Family, University, and Police
UC Santa Cruz spokesman Scott Hernandez-Jason told The Pajaronian that officials were notified because the victim was a UC Santa Cruz student, and he said, "We were heartbroken to learn that the victim was a UC Santa Cruz student."
Hernandez-Jason also said in a statement, "Our deepest condolences go out to the student’s family and friends during this difficult time," and People reported the university was providing support resources to those affected.
People quoted Singh’s aunt, Monica Singh-Strohmeier, who wrote on Facebook, "Alli was a thriving 19 year old in the midst of starting her 3rd year at UC Santa Cruz," and asked the public to respect Singh’s mother’s wish for privacy.
People reported that an investigation into determining the circumstances and cause of the crash remains ongoing, and when reached for comment by PEOPLE, the Santa Cruz Police Department had no updates to share.
Driver Escape and Ongoing Investigation
The Times of India said the male driver escaped the vehicle and suffered only minor injuries, while People reported that one individual escaped with only minor injuries before crews learned another person was still trapped inside.
“the male driver escaped the vehicle and suffered only minor injuries”
People said the student was initially only referred to as being a UC Santa Cruz student, and it later identified her as Alli R. Singh, 19, with the County of Santa Cruz, Sheriff-Coroner confirming to PEOPLE.
SFGATE reported a separate cliff rescue in Daly City on Wednesday, where a paraglider became trapped on a cliff face hundreds of feet high after a crash, with the call coming in just after 4 p.m. and the man located about 500 feet from the top of the cliff.
SFGATE said the injured man was taken by ambulance to a local trauma center with moderate injuries, and that from the initial call it took about 90 minutes before the patient was rescued and the scene was fully cleared.