The name of the Santa Maria woman killed late last week in a single-vehicle crash west of Orcutt has been released.
Leidis Litez-Perez, 39, of Santa Maria died in the crash on the 5000 block of Black Road, according to Raquel Zick, public information officer for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Bureau.
Shortly before 4 p.m. Friday, emergency personnel from the Santa Barbara County Fire and Santa Maria Fire departments along with the California Highway Patrol responded to Black Road near Highway 1 after a Ford F-150 veered off the road and rolled down an embankment.
The vehicle ended up approximately 125 feet off the roadway, and reportedly wasn’t visible, according to emergency dispatch reports.
Litez-Perez, a passenger, and the driver, a 39-year-old Lompoc man, were both ejected from the truck, CHP Officer Maria Barriga said this week.
She was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the driver, whose name had not been released, was transported to Marian Regional Medical Center.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life in this crash, and we extend our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” said Lt. Joseph Rodriguez, Santa Maria Area CHP commander. “Please drive attentively, and always wear your seatbelt. Taking necessary precautions can prevent tragedy.”
CHP officers are conducting an investigation to identify any contributing factors, but drugs and alcohol use are not suspected, Barriga said.
Anyone who witnessed this crash or has information can contact Santa Maria-based CHP Officer Valenzuela by calling 805.934.6310.