SANTA CLARA, CA — A 2-year-old girl died after a two-vehicle crash just outside Apple’s headquarters in Santa Clara, authorities said. The collision happened Friday, Nov. 6, at North Tantau Avenue and Pruneridge Avenue, where the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office responded to a major traffic collision.
Deputies and emergency crews found an adult woman and the child with serious injuries. Both were taken to a nearby hospital, but the girl later died despite lifesaving efforts. The child was identified by the County of Santa Clara Office of the Medical Examiner as Riley Howard of San Jose, according to ABC 7.
Deputies say the child was found unconscious and given CPR at the scene
Authorities said first responders found the toddler unconscious after the crash. Deputies and medics performed CPR before she was transported for additional treatment, but she did not survive.
A memorial for the child was held later that night, reflecting the immediate grief in the community after the fatal collision. Captain Neil Valenzuela of the West Valley Patrol Division called it a heartbreaking tragedy and said the department’s thoughts were with the child’s family and loved ones as they dealt with the loss.
Other driver suffered minor injuries and was treated at a hospital
The driver of the second vehicle, an adult man, was also injured in the crash. The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office said he sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital.
He was treated and later released, according to authorities. The sheriff’s office did not say in its initial update how the vehicles collided or what caused the crash, but detectives are continuing to piece together the sequence of events.
Investigators arrest driver on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter
The crash remains under investigation as detectives work to determine all the circumstances surrounding the collision. In the meantime, the driver of the other vehicle has been arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter.
Authorities have not publicly detailed what led to the arrest, and the criminal case is still developing. The sheriff’s office asked witnesses or anyone with information about the crash to contact the STARS Team at 408-868-6637.
Witness described hearing the impact and seeing the car spin
One witness, Jarry Pannone, told ABC 7 that he heard the crash and saw a car spin around after impact. He said the vehicle was sparking after it hit the curb.
Witness accounts can help investigators reconstruct how the collision unfolded near Apple’s campus. Officials have asked anyone who saw the crash to come forward with details that could assist detectives as they continue their review.
Apple has not commented as attention turns to the dangerous intersection
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment after the fatal crash outside its headquarters. The incident took place near one of the company’s most recognizable California locations, drawing attention to the intersection where the collision occurred.
For now, the focus remains on the child’s death, the injured driver’s recovery, and the ongoing sheriff’s investigation. Authorities have released limited details so far while they continue to examine what happened at North Tantau Avenue and Pruneridge Avenue.
