Santa Cruz County, CA – On the morning of Sunday, September 14, 2025, a multi-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle on northbound State Route 17 near the Santa’s Village Road off-ramp resulted in a fatality, according to CHP Fatal.
Authorities reported that the collision occurred around 5:30 AM when a gray Nissan sedan struck the guardrail, followed by multiple vehicles and a motorcycle becoming involved. Witnesses told dispatchers that debris and a helmet were scattered across the roadway, and the rider was found down in the lanes.
Emergency crews, including the Santa Cruz Valley Fire Department and American Medical Response, arrived shortly after and confirmed that a male motorcyclist had died from his injuries. CHP officers and Santa Cruz Valley police secured the area as bystanders attempted to block traffic with cones until officials could establish a closure.
Caltrans was requested to assist with a full closure and cleanup. A SigAlert was issued around 6:10 AM, diverting traffic off SR-17. Tow crews were called to remove multiple damaged vehicles as evidence. By approximately 11:00 AM, Caltrans reopened the roadway after debris was cleared and all vehicles were towed from the scene.
CHP continues to investigate the sequence of events that led to the fatal crash.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility. Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
