Boulder Creek man identified in fatal crash on Highway 9 – Santa Cruz Sentinel

BOULDER CREEK — Authorities have identified a 36-year-old driver who died after crashing into a tree Thursday evening near Juanita Road and Highway 9.

Stephen David Bass, of Boulder Creek, was killed in the fatal collision, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.

The California Highway Patrol reported that Bass, driving a black 2014 Mazda 3, allegedly failed to yield to a state parks ranger’s lights at Two Bar Road, leading to a brief pursuit southbound on Highway 9 shortly before 10:30 p.m.

Bass left the road and crashed into a tree for an undetermined reason, according to the CHP. Despite rescue efforts, Bass died at the scene. Although the cause of the crash is still under investigation, CHP officials believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.