Motorist Who Passed Away After Suffering Medical Issue Near Felton ID'd

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA – A 70-year-old man who suffered a medical emergency, drove into a ditch and died north of Felton on Wednesday morning has been identified as Stephen Hoff of Ben Lomond, according to the Santa Cruz County coroner's office.

Hoff was behind the wheel of a 2000 Ford F-150 on southbound East Zayante Road around 7:30 a.m. when he suffered a medical emergency, California Highway Patrol Officer Trista Drake said.

He crashed into a ditch near the intersection with Quail Hollow Road and was pronounced dead at the scene, Drake said.

Officers at first reported the vehicle crashed into a tree, but later clarified that the truck only went into a ditch, she said.

The truck was hauling lumber racks and wasn't damaged in the crash, according to Drake.

• Also see: Hit-and-Run Possibly To Blame For Water Main Break In Santa Cruz

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