California Highway Patrol says the man killed in a crash in the Santa Cruz Mountains had been reported missing out of Moss Landing.The crash was reported on Monday around 3:35 p.m., and CHP responded to Highway 17 south of Vine Hill Road.CHP said it is still unclear when the crash actually occurred, but investigators have narrowed the timeframe to between January 21 and January 26. Details are still under investigation.A preliminary investigation determined that a 60-year-old man from Moss Landing was driving a red 1990 Mazda Miata southbound on Highway 17 at an unknown speed. The Mazda left the roadway, went down an embankment, and crashed into a tree west of southbound Highway 17.The man died from injuries sustained in the crash, CHP said.CHP said the man was the same person reported missing out of Moss Landing on January 22, 2026.It is unknown whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash, CHP said.The man’s identity will be released by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information is asked to call CHP at 831-796-2160.See more coverage of top Central Coast stories | Download our app / Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. —

California Highway Patrol says the man killed in a crash in the Santa Cruz Mountains had been reported missing out of Moss Landing.

The crash was reported on Monday around 3:35 p.m., and CHP responded to Highway 17 south of Vine Hill Road.

CHP said it is still unclear when the crash actually occurred, but investigators have narrowed the timeframe to between January 21 and January 26. Details are still under investigation.

A preliminary investigation determined that a 60-year-old man from Moss Landing was driving a red 1990 Mazda Miata southbound on Highway 17 at an unknown speed. The Mazda left the roadway, went down an embankment, and crashed into a tree west of southbound Highway 17.

The man died from injuries sustained in the crash, CHP said.

CHP said the man was the same person reported missing out of Moss Landing on January 22, 2026.

It is unknown whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash, CHP said.

The man’s identity will be released by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone with information is asked to call CHP at 831-796-2160.

See more coverage of top Central Coast stories | Download our app / Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel