Lompoc Valley, CA (Februrary 22, 2024) Tragedy struck Highway 1 in Lompoc Valley on Wednesday, February 21st, when a two-vehicle crash claimed one life and injured three others. 85-year-old Larry Vanderhoofven did not survive the collision, according to police officers. Patsy Vanderhoofven, 84, Ulises Sanchez, 33, and Severiano Avila, 21, all sustained injuries in this accident.
Larry Vanderhoofven was heading east in a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze on Santa Lucia Canyon Road when he attempted a left turn onto Highway 1. Around 8:49 a.m., a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix was heading south on Highway 1 with Ulises Sanchez behind the wheel. As Vanderhoofven made his left turn, the two vehicles collided in the fast lane.
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The California Highway Patrol arrived at the scene along with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, the Sheriff’s Office and America Medical Response. It was a cloudy morning as emergency crews arrived at the scene. They found the two vehicles badly damaged, clocking the roadway. Debris and glass were strewn across the roadway and traffic was backed up on the highway.
Michael Griffith, an officer with the California Highway Patrol, said they found Larry Vanderhoofven unresponsive and, unfortunately, had to pronounce him dead at the scene. The passenger in the Chevy with Vanderhoofven, identified as Patsy Vanderhoofven, sustained serious injuries in the crash and rushed to Marian Regional Medical Center for treatment, Griffith said.
The other vehicle involved, a Pontiac, had two occupants, who both sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the accident. 33-year-old Ulises Sanchez and 21-year- old Severiano Avila were both taken to a nearby hospital to receive treatment, officers said.
Officers gathered evidence at the scene and spoke with witnesses. They are determined to figure out what caused this fatal accident on Highway 1 in Lompoc Valley. Officers do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors in this tragic collision.
Our hearts go out to the family of Larry Vanderhoofven during this difficult time of loss. Our team at Accident News Now is here to assist you during this time if you have any legal questions regarding this deadly accident.