On November 17, 2006, at 0515 a. m. personnel from the Santa Monica Fire and Police departments responded to a single vehicle traffic accident at the intersection of Santa Monica Blvd. and Ocean Ave. in Santa Monica, Ca.

The sports utility vehicle driven by Carolina Panthers NFL football player, Marcus Cassel (23 years of age from Los Angeles) was reported to be traveling at a high rate of speed west bound on Santa Monica Blvd. The vehicle drove across Ocean Ave. and into Palisades Park striking a tree and then rolled over on itself coming to rest against a cement light standard. Firefighters used their extrication tools to free Mr. Cassel from the vehicle.  Fire Department Paramedics stabilized Mr. Cassel and he was transported to a local hospital where he later died as a result of the injuries he suffered in the traffic accident. There were no other occupants in the vehicle.

The Santa Monica Police Department is investigating the cause of the traffic accident and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Chris Dawson at (310) 458-8954.