Santa Cruz, CA…On 03/06/22 at approximately 1250 hours, CHP responded to a solo vehicle traffic collision located on northbound SR-17 south of El Rancho Drive. It was determined 72-year-old, Stephen Gardner of Boulder Creek, CA., was traveling northbound in a 1999 BMW at an unknown speed. For an unknown reason, Gardner lost control of the BMW, veered off the roadway and collided into a wooden post. The BMW continued off the roadway and collided into a second wooden post. Following the second collision, the BMW continued and collided into a tree located along the right shoulder of NB SR-17. As a result of the collision, Gardner suffered major injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel.

This collision is still under investigation. It is currently unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor in this collision.