23-Year-Old Santa Cruz Man Killed in Two-Car Collision near McDonald Road

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA (August 21, 2024) – Saturday morning, a head-on crash on Freedom Boulevard killed Luke Thomas Salem. 

Police officers received reports around 7:35 a.m., just east of McDonald Avenue.

California Highway Patrol officers say the driver of an eastbound red 2017 Honda CRV collided head-on with a westbound 1966 Chrysler Newport.

However, further circumstances leading up to the incident remain unclear.

Despite life-saving efforts, paramedics pronounced the driver of the Chrysler dead at the scene. The sheriff’s office spokesperson later identified the deceased driver as 23-year-old Luke Thomas Salem of Santa Cruz. 

Meanwhile, the 49-year-old man driving the Honda was rushed to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. 

Santa Cruz County Officials continue to investigate whether intoxication played a role in the incident. 

Sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Luke Thomas Salem. Our thoughts are with them during this very difficult time.

Losing a loved one in a car accident can have a profound impact on both the emotional and financial well-being of the victim’s family. At Sweet James, we believe that every client’s case is unique and warrants personalized attention. We will tirelessly pursue the justice and compensation your family deserves. Contact us at 1-844-363-7713 for a free, confidential case evaluation.