ATASCADERO — A 42-year-old woman died following a solo-vehicle crash Tuesday night, Sept. 8, on Highway 41 just south of Rocky Canyon Road, outside the Atascadero city limits.
The California Highway Patrol responded to the crash at approximately 10:08 p.m. and determined that a 42-year-old Ceres resident, identified as Jenny Ritter, was driving a black 2003 Mercedes ML500 southbound on Highway 41 at an unknown speed.
For unknown reasons, the Mercedes left the southbound lane, crossed the roadway and traveled down a dirt and grass embankment before crashing into a concrete drainage wall.
Ritter and her passenger were extricated from the vehicle by first responders and transported to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center for treatment. The 42-year-old female passenger later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
CHP said alcohol and/or drugs were not suspected to have been a factor in the crash. The incident remains under investigation by the CHP Templeton Area office.
Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact the California Highway Patrol.