Fatal Crash at Santa Cruz Wharf Claims Life of 65-Year-Old

UPDATE: William Westerman, 65, Identified in Fatal Santa Cruz Wharf Crash

Overview of the Incident

A tragic crash on the morning of Sunday, October 26, 2025, claimed the life of 65-year-old William Westerman of Scotts Valley. According to local officials, emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 9:44 a.m. to the Santa Cruz Wharf after reports that a vehicle had gone off the edge and into the bay. Crews from multiple agencies arrived within minutes and quickly located the vehicle overturned in the water with its windows intact. Mr. Westerman was found unconscious inside and was extricated and transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Despite lifesaving efforts, he did not survive. A dog that was also in the vehicle was rescued from the water and is expected to recover.

This devastating event has shaken the community and raised urgent questions about how and why the vehicle left the roadway. Investigators with the Santa Cruz Police Department and other agencies are continuing to review the scene, collect physical evidence, and interview witnesses to determine the sequence of events and what factors may have contributed to the crash.

Emergency Response and Ongoing Investigation

When a vehicle leaves a roadway and enters water, every second counts. In this case, responders reportedly located the vehicle within around ten minutes of the initial call. The car was found overturned on its roof—an orientation that can complicate extrication, particularly when the windows are intact and access is limited. Specialized water-rescue protocols, dive operations, and rapid transport to medical care are critical in these situations. The dog’s rescue underscores the swift action by responders, even as they faced complex conditions on and under the water’s surface.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities typically examine a range of potential factors, including mechanical issues, driver medical emergencies, visibility conditions, roadway and edge protections, vehicle speed, steering inputs, road surface conditions, and whether other vehicles or obstacles were involved. On a coastal structure like a wharf, investigators may also evaluate the adequacy of barriers, curbs, bollards, signage, pavement markings, lighting, and any prior incidents at the location.

The sudden loss of a loved one in a fatal accident is a heartbreaking tragedy that leaves families with profound grief and unanswered questions. Often preventable, these accidents highlight the importance of accountability and justice. At Avian Law Group, we are dedicated to supporting families through this difficult time, helping them pursue the legal recourse they deserve.

Our experienced legal team works diligently to secure compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, and other losses, providing families with both financial support and a path toward closure. While nothing can replace a lost loved one, seeking justice can offer accountability and help families begin the healing process.

If you have lost someone in a fatal accident, contact Avian Law Group today for a free, confidential consultation. We are here to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process with compassion and expertise.