safety
Santa Clara County seeks help identifying man killed in 1986 crash
By Tor Smith at KRON4 (KRON-TV)
· July 19, 2026
· 1 min read
(KRON) -- The Santa Clara County Office of the Medical Examiner is asking for the public's help identifying a man who died in a 1986 vehicle crash, hoping to finally notify his surviving family members. The man was involved in a crash that occurred at about 4 p.m. on Aug. 1, 1986, near Shore Road...
Key takeaway The man was involved in a crash that occurred at about 4 p.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
The Santa Clara County Office of the Medical Examiner's appeal for help in identifying the man killed in the 1986 crash near Shore Road underscores the complexities of cold cases in the Bay Area. With the passage of time, such cases can be particularly challenging to solve, as potential witnesses and family members may have moved away or passed on. The fact that this case remains open over 35 years later is a testament to the dedication of local authorities in seeking closure for the victims and their loved ones. As the office seeks to notify the man's surviving family members, it is likely that they will be working with local community groups and organizations to spread the word and gather information. The resolution of this case could also have implications for other unsolved cases in the area, and residents may be watching to see if this breakthrough leads to further developments in local cold case investigations.
About this story
Original reporting by KRON4 (KRON-TV) . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KRON4 (KRON-TV) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: KRON4 (KRON-TV) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (KRON) -- The Santa Clara County Office of the Medical Examiner is asking for the public's help identifying a man who died in a 1986 vehicle crash, hoping to finally notify his surviving family members. The man was involved in a crash that occurred at about 4 p.m. on Aug. 1, 1986, near Shore Road...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by KRON4 (KRON-TV) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tor Smith at KRON4 (KRON-TV). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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