Two Killed as Rav4 Goes Over a Cliff in Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay Parking Lot Tragedy

On Saturday, April 3, 2021, tragedy struck. Dublin, California residents Elizabeth Correia (41) and her mother, Maria Teixeira (64), were killed when their vehicle plummeted down a cliff next to a Bodega Bay beach parking area. 

Correia was a first-grade teacher at Lydiksen Elementary School in Pleasanton. Her mother was the lead custodian at Montevideo Elementary School in San Ramon. Teixeira had worked for the San Ramon Valley Unified School District for many years and had been a custodian at Montevideo since 2000.  

Investigators with the Santa Rosa office of the California Highway Patrol have yet to determine what caused the Rav4, which was being driven by Teixeira, to plunge down the cliff.  The SUV traveled through a cliff’s edge barricade at the parking lot before heading over the cliff.

Details of the Crash

The incident occurred in the parking lot of West Bodega Head, which is an endpoint to a scenic road off coastal Highway 1 in Sonoma County.  Multiple agencies received reports of a vehicle traveling off a cliff at approximately 11 a.m. The scene was attended by personnel from the CHP,  the local fire district, Sonoma County Sheriff’s, State Parks, and the Fish and Wildlife Department.

Preliminary investigation reveals that the Rav4 was being driven westbound through the parking lot when, for reasons unknown, it hit a log barrier that designated the edge of the cliff. The vehicle then pushed the log barrier down the cliff and continued traveling after it. The crossover SUV crashed into the rocks approximately 100 feet below. Personnel from the Bodega Bay Fire District attempted to rescue the women by rappelling down to the scene. Sadly, both women were pronounced dead at the scene.

Additional Witnesses Sought

Witnesses to the incident reported that the Rav4 was neither speeding nor driving erratically prior to the crash. Investigators are seeking additional information from any other witnesses to the incident and request that anyone who saw the Rav4 that morning prior up to the crash call the Santa Rosa CHP at 707-588-1400.  A full vehicle inspection is planned as well.

School Communities React

The Montevideo Elementary school community is saddened by the loss of “Mrs. Maria,” who was described as a well-recognized fixture at the school, loved by students, parents, and staff alike.  Katie Witt, principal at the school, said that Texiera was always there for anyone who needed help and that her reassuring and kind presence will be terribly missed. 

Jacob Berg, the principal at Correa’s school, Lydiksen, informed the campus community of the teacher’s passing with great sadness.  Both school populations are away from campus this week on Spring Break, and both provided resources for grief support. 

Watch the YouTube video. Below is a news story covering the tragedy.

Dublin Community Still Reeling From Prior Loss

This is the latest in emotional blows to the education community within the Dublin area. On March 24, 2021, Catherine Kuo, a school board trustee, was killed when she was struck by an SUV while she was volunteering and distributing food at Fallon Middle School.

Personal Injury Lawyer in Vallejo

My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Vallejo personal injury lawyer.  For nearly four decades, I have been an advocate for Northern Californians who have been injured in automobile accidents. I have also worked on behalf of families who have suffered the deaths of loved ones in accidents.  If you have been injured or are next of kin to a person who suffered a wrongful death, my injury lawyers can offer compassionate, free, and friendly advice. Call us throughout the (707) area code at (707) 564-1900. From outside the region, use our toll-free number, which is (800) 404-5400.

Many of my prior clients have taken the time to write about their experiences with our firm. They can be found at the sites linked below:

Photo Attribution: MMcB

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