This article reports a case of death due to traumatic vertebral artery rupture caused by blunt force trauma to the head and face. We utilized the cutting-edge optical microscopy technology of a super-depth three-dimensional microscopy system (super-depth microscope) to examine minute tears in the arterial wall and identify the source of bleeding, which aids in case classification. This method offers significant advantages in accuracy, speed, and visual clarity, addressing the shortcomings of traditional examination methods to traumatic vertebral artery rupture and greatly meeting the demands for swift investigation and identification in today’s legal system. The article also discusses the injury mechanisms, key identification points, and considerations for similar cases, providing a reference for determining the cause of death and the nature of cases involving traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage at the base of the brain.