Coroner IDs Man Who Died In Saturday Crash In Santa Cruz County

A man killed in a two-car crash Saturday that left a woman with life-threatening injuries near Santa Cruz was 44-year-old Thurston Erickson, according to the Santa Cruz County coroner’s office.

Erickson, a resident of the unincorporated area of Aptos, was driving a 1991 Ford F-150 pickup truck north at a high speed shortly after 2 p.m. Saturday on Empire Grade Road north of Llama Ranch Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.

While approaching a 2001 Chevrolet van heading south on Empire Grade, near the north entrance to University of California at Santa Cruz, Erickson crossed the roadway’s solid double lines into the path of the van, CHP officials said.

Previous: Aptos Man Killed In Saturday Collision

Erickson’s pickup collided head-on with the van and he died of his injuries at the scene, officers said.

A 20-year-old woman driving the van suffered major injuries that were considered life-threatening and was airlifted to a trauma center for treatment, according to the CHP. The van had been traveling the speed limit when the crash occurred, CHP officials said.

--Bay City News

--Shutterstock image

Also on Patch:

• Public’s Help Sought To ID Murder Victim From 2010 In Santa Cruz County
• Man Gets 88 Years To Life For Slaying Of Shannon Collins
• Santa Cruz Redwoods National Monument Campaign Advances With Addition Of Environmental Leader
• How to Tie-Dye Easter Eggs with Silk Ties: A Step-by-Step Guide