South Lake Tahoe teen killed in San Luis Obispo crash

A South Tahoe High graduate has been identified as the victim in a single car crash on Highway 1 just after 3:00 p.m. Monday, December 3, 2018.

According to a press release from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff-Coroner, the sole occupant of the vehicle was 18-year-old Zachary Andrew Harris of South Lake Tahoe.

Sheriff's deputies and officers from the California Highway Patrol responded to a single vehicle versus tree collision at Highway 1 and Stenner Creek Road, in-between Cuesta College and San Luis Obispo.

He was declared dead at the scene.

Harris, a 2018 graduate of STHS, was a freshman at Cuesta College.

The San Luis Obispo Telegraph Tribune reported they had spoken to the college who had sent out a letter to students and staff. The school offered on-campus counseling and grief support through their health center.

"We offer our deepest condolences to Zachary's family, friend and those who knew him during this difficult time," wrote Mark Sanchez, assistant superintendent and vice president of Student Services at Cuesta College.

News of Harris's passing was a shock to students and staff at South Tahoe High School as they came to school on Tuesday. School officials offered grief counseling and support to those who have needed it and it will be ongoing. While at STHS, Zack was part of the VTV production class and a member of the school's swim team, representing the school at big meets, including the state championships.

There is an on-going and joint investigation between the San Luis Obispo County Coroner and the California Highway Patrol.

- South Tahoe Now Staff Report