Update: Identity released of woman who died in Atascadero car crash
Update posted July 29
California Highway Patrol was able to notify the next of kin of the fatal victim of Monday’s car crash in Atascadero.
The driver has been identified as Sarah Anne Swerdoski of Shandon. She was 29 years old at the time of her death.
Original story posted July 25
Driver reportedly over-corrected, lost control of her vehicle
–A 29-year-old female from Shandon has lost her life due to an accident that occurred early Monday morning, according to California Highway Patrol.
On Monday, at approximately 4:35 a.m., the driver was in a 1991 Toyota Camry, traveling northbound on Highway 101, just south of San Diego Way in Atascadero at an undetermined high rate of speed, when, for unknown reasons, she allowed her vehicle to travel off the east road edge of the 101 northbound and onto the ascending dirt embankment.
She attempted to steer her vehicle to the left and back onto the roadway, when she over-corrected and subsequently lost control of her vehicle, according to CHP. The vehicle then traveled off the east road edge for a second time where the vehicle became airborne and collided with a freeway exit sign, and an oak tree before landing on the descending dirt shoulder.
The party was not properly restrained and as a result was partially ejected. She died as a result of the accident.
Drug and alcohol use have not been ruled out as contributing factors, according to CHP. Her name is being withheld at this time pending notification of a next of kin.
