*Updated Jan 29, 2023 at 11:54am
One person died Saturday in a traffic incident just outside the popular Skypark recreation area in Scotts Valley, according to the Scotts Valley Police Department.
The initial call for service came in at 8:40am.
SVPD Sgt. Chris Galli told the Press Banner the SUV driver was pronounced dead at the location by Scotts Valley Fire Protection District firefighters following an incident involving a single vehicle.
In a press release SVPD said it was determined a white Subaru collided with an unoccupied parked sedan in the skatepark parking lot.
Det. Sgt. Meredith Roberts told the Press Banner the vehicle careened into the ravine across the road after the initial crash.
The main access to Skypark was blocked off by police tape throughout the afternoon while the SVPD’s Traffic Unit investigated the area. Skypark itself—including the dog park and surrounding fields—remained open to the public.
The victim was identified as Richard Wells, 63, of Santa Cruz County.
“The cause of the accident is still under investigation, however, prior to the collision the Subaru had been observed driving erratically in the Skatepark parking lot,” a police spokesperson said.
Police ask anyone with additional information about the collision to contact SVPD at (831) 440-5670.
