96-Year-Old Man Dies After Vehicle Plunges Over Cliff in Salt River

Oct. 20th, 2026

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands — A 96-year-old man died Monday evening after the vehicle he was driving went over a cliff in the Salt River area of St. Croix, according to the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD).

Police said the incident occurred on October 19, 2026, at approximately 8:11 p.m., when the 911 Emergency Call Center notified the Traffic Investigation Bureau (TIB) of a vehicle that had gone over a cliff.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered a white Kia Sorento resting on its roof at the bottom of the cliff.

Preliminary findings indicate that the driver was traveling northeast down a hill when he lost control of the vehicle and drove over a short cliff. The vehicle subsequently rolled onto its roof before coming to a stop below.

The driver, identified as 96-year-old Donn B. Schindler, sustained a severe head injury in the crash. He later succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities confirmed Schindler’s identity through his next of kin.

The Traffic Investigation Bureau is responsible for investigating traffic collisions and determining the circumstances surrounding serious and fatal crashes.

The incident adds to concerns about roadway safety in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where fatal crashes have raised questions about driver safety, road conditions and the measures needed to prevent further loss of life.