SANTA CRUZ — The victim of a Sunday morning crash at the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf that resulted in a vehicle driving through the railing and into the Monterey Bay has been identified as William Westerman, 65, of Scotts Valley. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Westerman’s identity Monday afternoon.
On Monday, lilies had been placed at the spot on the wharf where the vehicle drove through the railing and a crew from the city of Santa Cruz was working to repair the damage.
At approximately 9:49 a.m. Sunday, the Santa Cruz Fire Department responded to reports that a vehicle had driven through the railing across from Marini’s Candies and fallen into the water. Upon arrival, crews found approximately 15 feet of railing missing and a Toyota Sienna minivan submerged in the water.
Thirteen lifeguards, two personal watercraft and two boats were deployed, and responders were able to break a window and extricate Westerman, who was unconscious. He was then loaded onto a watercraft and transported to the Santa Cruz Harbor where American Medical Response and fire crews administered aid until Westerman was transported to Dominican Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Around the same time, a dog was found in the water and placed in the care of Santa Cruz County Animal Control Services. It was not confirmed if the dog had been in the vehicle.
The Santa Cruz Fire Department received assistance from the Santa Cruz Police Department, Scotts Valley Fire Department, Central Fire District, Harbor Patrol, American Medical Response, U.S. Coast Guard and California State Parks. No additional injuries or environmental impacts were reported, and no other occupants were believed to be in the vehicle, Santa Cruz Fire Chief Joshua Coleman said at a press conference Sunday.
Details regarding what led to the crash, including how fast the car was going and what caused the car to go over the wharf, are still being investigated by the Santa Cruz Police Department.
