SANTA CRUZ — A pedestrian was killed early Thursday after he was struck by a car traveling along Highway 1 in North Santa Cruz County, according to a release from the California Highway Patrol’s Santa Cruz unit.
The fatal collision occurred about 4:22 a.m. south of Scaroni Road, which is about a mile north of Four Mile Beach. A 52-year-old Santa Cruz man was traveling northbound along the highway in a black 2005 Ford Ranger when, for reasons still under investigation, he collided with a man estimated to be 30-40 years old.
The pedestrian, whose identity was still unknown Thursday, sustained major injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving efforts from first responders.
The collision occurred as a major atmospheric river storm was bearing down on Santa Cruz County and the broader Bay Area, bringing with it heavy rain and windy conditions. The overnight downpour that began late Wednesday had forced flood evacuations in Felton and Watsonville by early Thursday, along with a growing list of road closures impacted by floodwaters, debris flows and downed trees.
While law enforcement will continue to look into the cause of the early-morning crash, alcohol and/or drugs were not considered contributing factors, according to the CHP release.
Anyone with potentially helpful information can call CHP dispatch at 831-796-2160.