Big Sur, CA – On the evening of Monday, May 19, 2025, a motorcycle collision resulted in fatal injuries to 39-year-old Michael Brandon Harrison of Merced, according to KSBW, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 4:58 PM on Highway 1 near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, a scenic stretch of road often traveled by tourists and motorcyclists alike.
According to CHP’s preliminary findings, Harrison was operating a Harley-Davidson motorcycle traveling southbound on Highway 1 when, for reasons still under investigation, he veered off the roadway and onto the west shoulder. The motorcycle then collided with a tree, causing Harrison to be violently ejected from the vehicle.
First responders, including fire department personnel and American Medical Response (AMR) units, arrived at the scene shortly after the crash was reported. They located Harrison on the right-hand shoulder of the road with severe injuries. Despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office formally identified Harrison.
The crash remains under active investigation to determine whether speed, mechanical failure, or other factors may have contributed to the fatal outcome.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages.
