SMC Woman Who Drove Off Cliff, Killing Passenger, Enters Plea: Prosecutors

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — A 26-year-old woman who drove her car off a cliff, killing one of her passengers, in 2023 pleaded no contest to felony vehicular manslaughter, prosecutors announced Monday.

On Oct. 12, 2023, Madeline St. Pierre, driving a white Kia westbound on Pescadero Creek Road, failed to stop at the intersection east of State Route 1, continuing towards the ocean at an unknown speed, according to CHP-Redwood City officials.

At 9:55 p.m., officials responded to the incident after receiving a call that someone had driven off a cliff, falling 100 feet. Two passengers were in the vehicle, one identified as 22-year-old Elyse Pickart, also of Arcata.

The second passenger, Nicolas Vargas from Watsonville, was declared dead at the scene by San Mateo County Fire Paramedics.

The car landed on its wheels at the beach, partially in the water due to high tide. St. Pierre, who sustained major injuries and was hospitalized, was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence causing injuries.

Pickart, also in the front seat, was hospitalized as a precaution.