Palo Alto PD Release Statement After Kyle Shanahan Told The Media That Their Police Report Was False
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke out this week about his serious car crash. He told reporters the official report got key details wrong. Now Palo Alto police have responded.
The crash happened on July 14 near Alma Street and Hamilton Avenue in Palo Alto. Kyle Shanahan drove his Tesla when his phone fell between the seats. He looked down for a moment and crossed into the path of an oncoming Mercedes SUV.
The collision left him with major injuries. He suffered a severe concussion, a broken nose, three fractured ribs, a broken hand, and more than 40 stitches on his face. The other driver, a 21-year-old woman, walked away with only minor injuries.
A state database initially listed the other driver as the one at fault for an unsafe turn. Kyle Shanahan rejected that claim right away. He said he hit her and took full responsibility.
Kyle Shanahan Sets the Record Straight on Crash
Kyle Shanahan made his position clear during media sessions. “I hit her,” he said. He expressed frustration that the report blamed the other driver. He worried people might think someone tried to cover for him.
Police never issued citations to either driver at the scene. Officers often skip tickets in low-speed crashes when both parties stay cooperative. No alcohol or drugs played a role in the incident.
The coach has returned to training camp in a limited role. Assistant coach Chris Foerster has handled many of the daily duties while Shanahan recovers from lingering concussion symptoms.
New records later showed Shanahan held a cell phone at the time of the crash. That detail added to questions about how the state database ended up with the wrong at-fault party.
Kyle Shanahan Gets Police Confirmation on Fault
Palo Alto police released a clear statement after Shanahan spoke publicly. Lieutenant Nicolas Martinez confirmed the coach’s account.
“Kyle Shanahan’s statement that he provided is correct and that he was found at fault for the collision,” the Palo Alto Police Department said. “There was a clerical error in the preparation of the report that was transmitted to the State database. We are in the process of correcting that error. It is the officer’s discretion at the scene of the collision as to whether they issue a citation to either party.
“It is not uncommon for officers to elect to not issue a citation to either party involved in a collision. Neither party in this situation was provided preferential treatment.”
Just so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle. Statement from Palo Alto Police Department confirming Kyle Shanahan's taking blame for the accident and the clerical error that caused confusion:
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) July 28, 2026
"Kyle Shanahan’s statement that he provided is correct and that he was found at fault…
The department also stressed that no one received special treatment. Officers use their own judgment on whether to write tickets. Skipping citations happens often in similar cases.
Shanahan shared a graphic photo of his injuries with reporters. The image showed the heavy impact on his face and the need for plastic surgery. Friends like Chris Simms later revealed the coach nearly lost an eye in the wreck.
The 49ers kept the crash quiet for nearly two weeks. The team only confirmed the news once training camp opened. Shanahan has since appeared at practice and spoken openly about the mistake.
Palo Alto PD Release Statement After Kyle Shanahan Told The Media That Their Police Report Was False
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