Dead Man Found In Car In Santa Cruz Was Reported Missing Days Before: Police

SANTA CRUZ, CA — A Moss Landing man, who was reported missing last week, was discovered dead Monday after his car crashed off state Highway 17 in Santa Cruz County, police said.

At around 3:35 p.m. Monday, The California Highway Patrol officers said they responded to a crash on southbound Highway 17, south of Vine Hill Road near Scotts Valley.

A red 1990 Mazda Miata had gone down an embankment and struck a tree, police said. The sole occupant, identified as a Moss Landing resident, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Investigators later confirmed the man had been reported missing on Thursday.

The exact time of the crash is unknown, according to the CHP, but it is believed to have occurred sometime between Wednesday and Monday.

Anyone with information can call (831) 796-2160.