Skateboarding is banned in Capitola Village, but not everyone abides by this rule. On Wednesday afternoon, a 17-year-old aficionado was barreling down the Cliff Drive hill in the direction of the Stockton Avenue bridge at 20 miles per hour. Just then, Maryanne Slettehaugh, 83, was crossing the street. The teen saw her and leapt from his board, but flew into Slettehaugh, knocking her down. Police say that she died of her injuries.
Skateboarding is banned in Capitola Village, but not everyone abides by this rule. On Wednesday afternoon, a 17-year-old aficionado was barreling down the Cliff Drive hill in the direction of the Stockton Avenue bridge at 20 miles per hour. Just then, Maryanne Slettehaugh, 83, was crossing the street. The teen saw her and leapt from his board, but flew into Slettehaugh, knocking her down. Police say that she died of her injuries.
No charges have been brought against the teen, who acted responsibly and remained by Slettehaugh until police arrived. His parents were notified, however, and a criminal investigation is underway.
Capitola police emphasized that while skateboarding is banned on the street, there is a free skate park in Jose Park. Read more at KSBW and NBC Bay Area.