UC Santa Cruz Student Dies After Car Plunges Off Cliff Into Ocean

Photo: @monica.singhsalazar

India-West News Desk

SANTA CRUZ, CA -A 19-year-old University of California, Santa Cruz student died after a vehicle went off West Cliff Drive and plunged into the ocean near the Steamer Lane surf break early August 13, authorities said.

The crash was reported to Santa Cruz Regional 911 at about 12:50 a.m. Emergency crews arriving at the scene found one person had escaped the vehicle with minor injuries, while another occupant remained trapped inside the submerged car.

Four ocean rescue swimmers entered the water, reached the vehicle and pulled the trapped occupant to safety. The victim, identified as UC Santa Cruz student Alli Renee Singh, was taken to a nearby hospital, where she died from her injuries, according to the Santa Cruz Fire Department.

Singh’s aunt, Monica Singh-Strohmeier, confirmed her death in a social media post and asked for privacy as the family mourns.

“Alli was a thriving 19-year-old in the midst of starting her 3rd 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.”

Singh enrolled at UC Santa Cruz in June 2024 and was studying psychology.

“We were heartbroken to learn that the victim was a UC Santa Cruz student,” university spokesperson Scott Hernandez-Jason said. “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 said the driver was female and the surviving passenger was male. The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation, and police have not released additional details.

The crash occurred near Steamer Lane, a well-known Santa Cruz surf break along West Cliff Drive.