Crime & Safety

CHP Doesn't Know Why Driver, 16, Lost Control

The investigation into the collision that killed Cynthia Madrigal is over.

The investigation into the crash that killed a Renaissance High student last month is complete, though officers did not determine what happened in the moments leading up to the collision.

 when she lost control of her Volkswagen Beetle while driving home from school on San Andreas Road.

Cynthia had been heading south and her car was broadsided by a northbound pickup. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

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California Highway Patrol officer Sarah Jackson said Wednesday, "the cause of her crash was officially ruled to be crossing the double-yellow lines."

Although officers investigated what occurred in the moments prior to the collision “without some certain physical evidence, it is very difficult to determine the cause of a collision," Jackson said.

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Jackson noted that Cynthia's cell phone had "inconclusive evidence."

Less than two weeks later, a 2011 Renaissance High graduate died in a crash in outside of Hollister, in San Benito County.  on Highway 156 when she lost control, left the roadway twice, over-corrected and was hit head-on, according to the CHP.

Jackson will bring the Impact Teen Driving, a presentation about distracted driving, to Renaissance High on May 24. The program educates students about making good decisions while driving and riding in vehicles.

“I was actually contacted through Renaissance High School with a request for that. It is in response to the needs that they have there," Jackson said.

Also, the CHP will teach Start Smart, a program for teen drivers and their parents, at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 24. It will be held in the Santa Cruz Police Community Room at 155 Center St. in Santa Cruz.

“I talk to them about reckless and distracted driving," Jackson said. The class also covers vehicle dynamics, rules of the road and a segement just for parents.

To register, call Jackson at 831-662-0511. The class is free.

For Patch's complete coverage of these fatal car crashes, click HERE.


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