Santa Cruz County, CA – On the afternoon of Monday, May 4, 2026, a collision with a pickup truck resulted in the death of a 21-year-old motorcyclist, according to KSBW.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 4:45 PM on Empire Grade north of Heller Drive.
Authorities said a 21-year-old man from Pescadero was riding a 1999 Harley-Davidson motorcycle northbound on Empire Grade when a 46-year-old man from Ben Lomond, driving a 2025 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck towing a flatbed trailer, was traveling southbound on the same road.
The two vehicles collided for reasons still under investigation. The motorcyclist was airlifted to a local hospital, where he was subsequently pronounced dead. The driver of the Dodge was not injured.
Investigators have not determined whether alcohol or drugs were contributing factors in the collision.
The identity of the deceased was to be released by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office following notification of next of kin. The investigation remains ongoing.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
Comparative Negligence
California Law upholds the concept of comparative negligence, which allows more than one party to share blame in a personal injury accident. Injured victims may have their compensation reduced if they are found partially responsible.
California Fatal Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California fatal motorcycle accident lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
