Man Who Drove Off Santa Cruz Wharf Died by Suicide, Coroner Finds

William Thomas Westerman, a registered sex offender, intentionally drove his minivan off the wharf in October 2026, according to the coroner's report.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:37pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered car sensor lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a tragic incident involving a vehicle.A shattered sensor lens reflects the grim aftermath of a man's tragic death by suicide off the Santa Cruz Wharf.Santa Cruz Today

The Santa Cruz County coroner's office reported that William Thomas Westerman, a 65-year-old Scotts Valley man, intentionally drove his minivan off the Santa Cruz Wharf in October 2026, resulting in his death. Westerman had a history of sexual abuse convictions and was believed to have been suffering from depression.

Why it matters

This tragic incident sheds light on the complex issues surrounding mental health, suicide prevention, and the challenges faced by those with criminal histories trying to reintegrate into society. It also raises questions about monitoring and support systems for registered sex offenders after their release from prison.

The details

According to the coroner's report, Westerman accelerated his vehicle, struck a curb and a light pole, then plunged into the water where the minivan quickly submerged. The report stated that Westerman died of a broken neck from the impact. A high level of an antidepressant drug was found in his blood, and his long-term girlfriend said he had made despairing statements in the past, though she was unaware of any previous suicide attempts. Westerman had been convicted in 1994 of 92 counts of lewd acts with a child under 14 and served 21 years in prison before being released in 2015.

  • On October 26, 2026, Westerman drove his minivan off the Santa Cruz Wharf.
  • In 1994, Westerman was convicted of 92 counts of lewd acts with a child under 14.
  • Westerman was released from prison in 2015 after serving 21 years.

The players

William Thomas Westerman

A 65-year-old Scotts Valley man who intentionally drove his minivan off the Santa Cruz Wharf, resulting in his death. Westerman had a history of sexual abuse convictions and was believed to have been suffering from depression.

Julie Stewart

Westerman's long-term girlfriend of seven years. She told investigators she did not know of any previous suicide attempts by Westerman or if he had suicidal thoughts, but said he had made despairing statements in the past.

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What they’re saying

“Neighbors would come and call, he was always doing something for somebody. He did more for other people than he ever did for himself.”

— Julie Stewart, Westerman's long-term girlfriend

What’s next

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff-Coroner's office has concluded its investigation into Westerman's death, which has been ruled a suicide. No further legal action is expected.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the complex challenges faced by those with criminal histories, particularly sex offenders, as they try to reintegrate into society. It underscores the importance of comprehensive mental health support and monitoring systems to prevent such devastating outcomes.