At approximately 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 18, officers from the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Marin Area office responded to a report of a solo-vehicle crash on San Geronimo Valley Road, just south of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in rural West Marin.
CHP officers and personnel from the Marin County Sheriff’s Office and Marin County Fire Department arrived on the scene and located a Volkswagen SUV that had veered off the roadway and struck a tree near the shoulder.
Emergency crews determined the vehicle was occupied by six juveniles, all between 14 and 16 years old. All sustained major injuries. Three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth was pronounced deceased after being transported to a local hospital. The driver and another passenger were hospitalized in critical condition.
San Geronimo Valley Road remained closed until approximately 1:45 a.m. to allow for investigation.
“On behalf of the California Highway Patrol, I extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and classmates of the four young students whose lives were tragically lost in this heartbreaking crash,” said CHP Marin Area Commander Capt. Amy Newton. “No words can ease the pain of such a devastating loss, and our hearts are with the entire community as they grieve. The CHP stands with our community during this time of sorrow and remains dedicated to thoroughly investigating the circumstances that led to this tragedy.”
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the CHP’s Marin Area office at (415) 407-3924. Inquiries regarding the deceased should be directed to the Marin County Sheriff’s Office – Coroner Division.
The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security.
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