PCH Driver Found Dead After Crash May Have Suffered Medical Emergency: Deputies

MALIBU, CA — A man who was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash that closed a stretch of Pacific Coast Highway Tuesday may have suffered a medical emergency before the collision, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said Thursday.

Derek Schimming, 60, was pronounced dead after the crash that was reported at around 2 p.m. Tuesday near Winding Way, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner's office. Another motorist was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries, authorities said.

On Thursday, the Sheriff's Department released information about its investigation, referring to Schimming as "Party #1:"

"Preliminary investigation indicates Party #1 was traveling southbound on Pacific Coast Highway in a gray 2008 Honda Civic nearing the intersection of West Winding Way when he possibly suffered from a medical emergency.

"Multiple witnesses stated Party #1 abruptly veered into oncoming northbound traffic and struck Party #2 who was traveling northbound in a white 2012 Ford E-250 van.

"Witnesses and emergency medical personnel attempted to revive the Party #1 but were unsuccessful and Party #1 was determined deceased at the scene. Party #2 was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries," deputies said.

The crash closed a portion of the road between Paradise Cove Road and Winding Way for several hours Tuesday afternoon.

Schimming is the 60th person who has been killed on the 21-mile stretch of PCH in Malibu since 2010, according to authorities.

The crash comes after officials earlier this month launched the "Go Safely PCH" campaign, which urges drivers to slow down and reminds them that speeding and reckless driving on the highway comes with consequences

It's part of an increased push for safety on the highway following the deaths of four Pepperdine University students in the fall, who were fatally struck by a driver who authorities say was going over 100 mph.