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Motorcyclist dead after crash in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Updated: 10:20 AM PST Jan 30, 2026
California Highway Patrol Santa Cruz says one person was killed after a motorcycle crash Thursday evening.The crash was reported around 5:54 p.m., when CHP responded to the area of Highway 9 south of Highway 35 following reports of a crash.CHP learned that a 31-year-old man from San Jose was riding a 2017 Suzuki GSX-R600 motorcycle southbound on Highway 9 at an unknown speed when, for reasons still under investigation, he lost control of the motorcycle.The Suzuki then crashed into the asphalt roadway, and the motorcycle and rider continued south and went off the roadway, according to CHP.The motorcycle then crashed into a tree, and the rider slid down an embankment, according to CHP.The rider was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of the crash, according to CHP.The cause of the crash is under investigation, and it is unknown whether alcohol and/or drugs were factors in the crash, CHP said.The identity of the deceased will be released by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.“Lieutenant Boles, acting commander of the CHP Santa Cruz Area office, would like to remind everyone that it is important for motorcyclists to minimize their risks by riding responsibly, always wearing a helmet and other protective gear, and never riding after consuming alcohol or drugs, while fatigued, or a combination thereof,” CHP said in a media release.See more coverage of top Central Coast stories | Download our app / Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. —
California Highway Patrol Santa Cruz says one person was killed after a motorcycle crash Thursday evening.
The crash was reported around 5:54 p.m., when CHP responded to the area of Highway 9 south of Highway 35 following reports of a crash.
CHP learned that a 31-year-old man from San Jose was riding a 2017 Suzuki GSX-R600 motorcycle southbound on Highway 9 at an unknown speed when, for reasons still under investigation, he lost control of the motorcycle.
The Suzuki then crashed into the asphalt roadway, and the motorcycle and rider continued south and went off the roadway, according to CHP.
The motorcycle then crashed into a tree, and the rider slid down an embankment, according to CHP.
The rider was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of the crash, according to CHP.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, and it is unknown whether alcohol and/or drugs were factors in the crash, CHP said.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.
“Lieutenant Boles, acting commander of the CHP Santa Cruz Area office, would like to remind everyone that it is important for motorcyclists to minimize their risks by riding responsibly, always wearing a helmet and other protective gear, and never riding after consuming alcohol or drugs, while fatigued, or a combination thereof,” CHP said in a media release.
See more coverage of top Central Coast stories | Download our app / Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel