CARPINTERIA : Victim of Coast Car Accident Identified
A man who died in a car that skidded off the Pacific Coast Highway into the ocean has been identified as Thomas Gamble, 30, of Carpinteria, coroner’s officials said Friday.
The accident occurred as Gamble and Orlander Drake, 24, of Isla Vista were driving north on U.S. 1 near Sycamore Cove at about 8 p.m. Thursday. Drake attempted to pass another car, lost control and hit a dirt embankment on the right side. He then spun back across the road toward the ocean, California Highway Patrol officials said.
After crossing a gravel shoulder, Drake’s car plunged down the embankment and landed upside-down in the ocean.
Gamble, who was sitting in the front passenger’s seat, drowned, said Deputy Coroner Zelmira Isaac. Drake swam from the car and survived. He was treated at St. John’s Regional Medical Center for minor injuries and released, CHP officials said.
No citations have been issued, authorities said.
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