A 64-year-old U.S. citizen identified by the last name Edward died Monday following a multi-vehicle crash on Route 32 in Limón Province, authorities said.

According to the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ), the crash occurred at about 6 p.m. and involved three vehicles: a truck, a car carrier trailer and Edward's car.

Red Cross rescue crews arriving at the scene found Edward unresponsive, in cardiac arrest and not breathing. He was pronounced dead at the scene before emergency personnel were able to provide medical assistance.

Paramedics coordinated with local police and OIJ investigators in handling the case. Edward’s body was later transported to the OIJ morgue facilities in Heredia Province, where forensic specialists are expected to perform an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.

Authorities said a woman traveling in the same vehicle as Edward suffered serious injuries in the crash.

Red Cross rescue workers and firefighters extricated the woman from the vehicle before transporting her to Tony Facio Public Hospital in Limón. However, OIJ agents reported Tuesday that she later died at the hospital. Authorities have not released her identity.

Reportedly, Edward was traveling toward San José along the main highway connecting Limón and the capital city when the crash occurred near the Big Boy Baseball Stadium in Colina District, Limón.

Authorities said a truck traveling in the opposite direction allegedly made an improper turn while attempting to merge onto the main roadway and collided with the car carrier trailer. The impact triggered a chain-reaction crash that caused Edward’s vehicle to be struck by both trucks.

The Traffic Police Department continues to investigate the incident and is responsible for issuing the official report on the causes of the crash.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional details have not been released. Only family members are authorized to request further information.

The U.S. Embassy provides assistance and guidance to families of American citizens who die abroad, whether relatives were traveling with the deceased or residing in the country.

“The Consular Section can provide information on funeral homes that arrange local burials or prepare remains for shipment to the United States,” the embassy states on its website. “The Consular Section also issues a Consular Report of Death Abroad, which serves as a U.S. death certificate for legal purposes.”

The embassy also noted that it does not cover funeral, repatriation or burial expenses for Americans who die overseas. However, family members are not required to travel to Costa Rica to handle arrangements, as embassy officials can coordinate with local authorities and service providers on their behalf.

For more information, individuals may contact the U.S. Embassy at 506-2519-2590 or 506-2519-2093. An after-hours emergency line is available at 506-2519-2000.

As of February, Costa Rica recorded 113 traffic-related deaths during the first two months of the year, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT).

Costa Rica recorded more than 500 traffic-related deaths in 2025, representing a 13.3% increase compared with fatalities reported in 2024.

The OIJ, a division of Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice, is responsible for conducting criminal investigations and has nationwide police authority.

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