Two Killed in Santa Cruz Tesla-Motorcycle Collision

A fatal head-on crash occurred Saturday afternoon in the Santa Cruz Mountains when an 18-year-old woman driving a Tesla Model 3 collided with a Harley-Davidson motorcycle carrying Hayward residents Ernest Latta Jr., 61, and Lisa A. Latta, 59. The collision took place on State Route 9, just south of State Route 35. Both motorcycle riders were wearing helmets, were ejected from the bike, and died at the scene, while the Tesla driver, who was wearing a seatbelt, was uninjured. Authorities have not yet established which vehicle crossed into the other's lane, and it remains unknown if alcohol or drugs were involved as the investigation continues. The Santa Cruz County coroner confirmed the victims' identities. The California Highway Patrol has urged drivers to remain attentive and avoid distractions, especially on mountainous roads.