The Latest: 3 kids sought after cliff crash kills family
By Associated Press
Mar 28, 2018 4:23 PM CDT

MENDOCINO, Calif. (AP) — The Latest on a family who died when their SUV plunged off a cliff in California (all times local):

2 p.m.

Authorities say they're searching for three children who are unaccounted for after their siblings and parents plunged off a Northern California cliff.

The California Highway Patrol said Wednesday that 19-year-old Markis Hart, 14-year-old Jeremiah Hart and 14-year-old Abigail Hart died along with their parents, Jennifer and Sarah Hart.

Their SUV plunged 100 feet from the Pacific Coast Highway onto rocks in the ocean Monday.

Highway patrol says the couple's three other children haven't been found and searchers are scouring the region. They're using boats, aircraft and unmanned drones to look for 16-year-old Hannah Hart, 15-year-old Devonte Hart and 12-year-old Sierra Hart.

The family lived in Woodland, Washington, a suburb of Portland, Oregon.

California authorities say the family appeared to be on a short road trip because many belongings remained in the home along with chickens and a pet.

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1:40 p.m.

Authorities say child welfare officials in Washington state had recently visited the home of two women who died along with three children when their vehicle plunged off a cliff in Northern California.

The California Highway Patrol identified the adult victims Wednesday as Jennifer Hart and Sarah Hart, both 39. The agency says their SUV was driving Monday on the Pacific Coast Highway when it pulled into a dirt turnout and continued driving off the cliff.

Clark County sheriff's Sgt. Brent Waddell told The Associated Press that the family lived in Woodland, Washington, and recently had a visit from Child Protective Services.

He says the sheriff's office later entered the house and found no obvious signs of trouble or violence.