UPDATE: Female driver killed in Hwy 129 crash ID’d

UPDATE 11/2/2017 12:10 p.m. The California Highway Patrol said a 40-year-old woman was killed in a head on collision on Highway 129 near Aromas.

According to CHP Santa Cruz, the accident occurred at Highway 129, West of Rogge Lane around 2 p.m. Wednesday. The woman, Odilia Chavez-Ortega of Gilroy was driving a 2000 Nissan Maxima when she collided with a 2003 Dodge SLI. Investigators said for an unknown reason, Ortega lost control of her car, collided with the guardrail of the westbound shoulder of Highway 129, then crossed over the double yellow line into the eastbound lane of traffic. CHP said the Nissan was broadsided by the Dodge truck.

Fire crews performed CPR on Ortega however she died at the scene. The 65-year-old Watsonville man driving the truck suffered lacerations to the face and body and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.

Investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol are a factor.