Driver killed in crash after short chase near Natural Bridges State Beach

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV)- The CHP said a deadly solo-car crash happened Friday night in Santa Cruz.

The agency said at approximately 8:42 p.m., a state park officer tried to conduct a traffic stop on a white 1996 GMC Yukon because the car had nearly reversed into a crowd of people at Natural Bridges State Beach. The car's registration was also allegedly expired.

The driver failed to stop and, after about a 4-minute chase on West Cliff Drive east of De La Costa Avenue, the Yukon veered off the road and collided with rocks. Santa Cruz Police and the Fire Department also responded and made multiple attempts to extract and rescue the driver. However, the 48-year old man died at the scene.

The cause of the crash is under investigation, according to the CHP; it's unclear whether drugs or alcohol were involved.