[05-04-2026] Santa Cruz County, CA – Motorcyclist Killed in Crash Involving Vehicle on Empire Grade

A 21-year-old motorcyclist was killed following a collision involving a vehicle near the University of California, Santa Cruz, on Monday afternoon, May 4, 2026.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 4:45 p.m. on Empire Grade north of Heller Drive.

Authorities reported that the motorcyclist was riding a 1999 Harley-Davidson northbound when the motorcycle collided with a southbound 2025 Dodge Ram 2500 towing a flatbed trailer. Investigators stated that the circumstances leading up to the collision remain unclear.

The motorcyclist sustained major injuries and was airlifted to Natividad Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. The driver of the pickup truck was not injured.

Officials stated that it is not yet known whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.