Dharmesh Patel, a Pasadena radiologist who drove his family off a Highway 1 cliff during an apparent psychotic break last year, may be eligible for a mental health diversion program. The program could allow him to be released from jail and live with his parents in San Mateo County, as ruled by San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Susan M. Jakubowski.
If released, Patel would undergo a two-year treatment program overseen by Stanford. His depressive disorder qualifies him for the program, which aims to provide mental health care and support to individuals with serious mental illnesses.
The incident occurred on January 2, 2023, when Patel drove his Tesla with his wife and two children over Devil’s Slide. Miraculously, all four survived the 250-foot fall, with only one child suffering minor injuries. Patel is currently being held without bail but a hearing is scheduled for July 1 to determine the next steps in his case.