A 19-year-old UC Santa Cruz student died after a car plunged off a cliff into the ocean near Steamer Lane on August 13, prompting an investigation by local authorities.
SANTA CRUZ, CA – A tragic incident occurred early on August 13 when a 19-year-old student from the University of California, Santa Cruz, lost her life after a vehicle went off West Cliff Drive and fell into the ocean near the popular Steamer Lane surf break.
The Santa Cruz Regional 911 center received reports of the crash at approximately 12:50 a.m. Emergency responders arrived on the scene to find one occupant of the vehicle had managed to escape with minor injuries, while another remained trapped inside the submerged car.
Four ocean rescue swimmers bravely entered the water, reached the vehicle, and successfully pulled the trapped occupant to safety. The victim, identified as Alli Renee Singh, was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries, according to the Santa Cruz Fire Department.
Singh’s aunt, Monica Singh-Strohmeier, confirmed the heartbreaking news of her passing through a social media post, requesting privacy for the family as they navigate their grief.
“Alli was a thriving 19-year-old in the midst of starting her third year at UC Santa Cruz,” Singh-Strohmeier wrote. “She was a very smart, beautiful, and loving young lady and will be missed by all who crossed her path.”
Alli Singh had enrolled at UC Santa Cruz in June 2024, pursuing a degree in psychology.
Scott Hernandez-Jason, a spokesperson for the university, expressed the institution’s sorrow over the loss. “We were heartbroken to learn that the victim was a UC Santa Cruz student,” he stated. “Our deepest condolences go out to the student’s family and friends during this difficult time. We are providing support resources to those affected by this tragedy.”
The Santa Cruz Police Department reported that the driver of the vehicle was female, and the surviving passenger was male. The circumstances surrounding the crash are currently under investigation, and police have not released further details.
The incident took place near Steamer Lane, a well-known surf spot along West Cliff Drive, drawing attention to the area’s safety and the need for caution in such locations.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a promising young life.
According to India-West.