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San Benito County resident Lisa Unsinger, 61, died following a fiery solo-vehicle accident on Shore Road April 11, underscoring the dangerous nature of the rural roadway that is currently undergoing repairs.
According to a California Highway Patrol news release, it is unknown whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the 5:30 a.m. crash. She was driving a Toyota RAV4 and traveling westbound.
San Benito County Sheriff Commander Adam Lobdell said the next of kin has been notified. But he added that the coroner’s office is still working to confirm the identity of the victim through DNA testing.
Detective Sergeant Bryan Penny said an autopsy, which is expected to take between 12 to 16 weeks following the deadly accident, will reveal the cause of death.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased,” CHP Area Commander,Captain Noel Coady said. “As we continue to investigate the cause of the crash, this tragedy serves as a reminder for all of us to comply with traffic laws and take a safety-first approach to driving; lives depend on it.”
According to the release, the CHP received a report of a crash east of Lake Road and when officers arrived they discovered a vehicle in a creek bed and “fully engulfed in flames.”
CHP said it is unknown why the vehicle veered off the road, collided into a metal guardrail and overturned.
“The driver of the vehicle was not able to exit before it was engulfed in flames and tragically lost her life as a result,” the CHP said.
This is the third fatal crash reported in the area of Shore Road so far this year.
In January, three Hollister teenagers died in a two-vehicle accident on Shore Road, and a man died on Frazier Lake Road in February.
In June 2024, around the same area on Shore Road east of Lake Road another person died in a two-vehicle accident.
San Benito County is conducting Shore Road repairs and asked residents to avoid the area when possible for the week of April 21. After the Shore Road project is completed, the county is planning on conducting repairs on Frazier Lake Road, which are tentatively scheduled for July.
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