Scotts Valley Family Injured in Highway 17 Fatal Accident

A Brentwood man died in an accident on Highway 17 Friday morning and three members of a Scotts Valley family were injured in the four-car collision that closed the highway in both directions for a few hours, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The coroner’s office said 57-year-old Gerard Wener who was driving a Nissan Altima southbound on Highway 17 when he lost control and crossed into northbound traffic at Laurel Road at approximately 10:43 a.m.

Upon entering the northbound lane, the Nissan collided with the side of a Chevy Suburban driven by 46-year-old Felton resident Richard Silver, who was not injured. The Nissan then rotated counter-clockwise striking the front of a Toyota 4Runner driven by Scotts Valley resident Matthew Clark, 41. Scotts Valley resident Gretchen Clark, 40, and a child were passengers in the Toyota. All three were taken to Dominican Hospital with unknown injuries.

After being hit by the Nissan, the Toyota collided with an Acura Integra driven by San Jose resident Allan Ramos, 33. Ramos was not injured.

The accident closed Highway 17 for approximately three hours as the scene was cleared and investigated and injured parties were transported to the hospital. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.

According to the CHP, everyone involved was wearing a seatbelt and the child in the Toyota was properly restrained in a child safety seat.

As the rain is expected to continue through Monday, the CHP is reminding everyone to slow down and drive carefully.

"Please urge everyone to slow down on wet roadways. Your life depends on it," CHP Officer Sarah Jackson said.