Fatal collision closes Highway 1 south of HMB

This report is based on the Highway Patrol press release.

John Connell, 48, of Pescadero, was killed and his wife Darcy, 49, suffered major injuries and was life-flighted to Stanford Hospital after a head-on collision.  The accident closed Highway 1 near Meyn Road, near Lobitos Creek, south of Half Moon Bay [Google map].  They were struck head-on by a southbound Chevrolet Trailblazer, whose driver apparently lost control after striking debris on the highway, crossing the double yellow line into oncoming traffic.

The impact caused the Connells’ Nissan Murano to overturn, collide with the guardrail, and roll down the embankment on the east side of the highway, coming to rest on its wheels.

The drive of the Trailblazer, 49-year-old female resident of Half Moon Bay, was transported to Stanford Hospital and later released. The Highway Patrol says that drugs or alcohol do not appear to have been a factor in the collision.