Daniel Landry dies in fatal Santa Cruz County car crash

Daniel Landry dies in fatal Santa Cruz County car crash

Fatal Santa Cruz County car crash death of Daniel Landry

Daniel Landry, a 78-year-old resident of Santa Cruz County, has been identified as the man who lost his life in a vehicle collision on Highway 17 over the weekend.

According to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff Coroner’s Office, Landry was the sole fatality in a multi-vehicle crash that left four others injured. The incident involved at least three vehicles.

On Saturday night, Landry was in an orange 2003 Honda Element positioned on the east side of Highway 17 near Sugarloaf Road. His car was facing westbound, and for reasons that remain under investigation, he turned directly into oncoming traffic.

A red 2022 Tesla Model Y, heading northbound, struck Landry’s vehicle. Moments later, that Tesla was hit from behind by a black 2024 Honda Accord also traveling northbound.

Despite attempts by nearby individuals and emergency responders to save him, Landry was pronounced dead at the crash site. The four other people involved suffered significant injuries and were transported swiftly to a local hospital for medical care.

Investigators are still working to determine what caused the crash. It has not yet been confirmed whether alcohol or drugs played a role. Authorities are encouraging anyone with relevant details to contact CHP dispatch at 831-796-2160.