A tragic head-on collision on California’s State Route 9 claimed the lives of two Hayward residents on Saturday afternoon. The crash occurred on July 26, 2025, at around 4:47 p.m., just south of State Route 35, in a forested section of the winding mountain highway.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Santa Cruz Area, the incident resulted in the death of two motorcycle riders, while the young driver of a Tesla was unharmed.
Details of the Crash
The crash involved two vehicles: a white 2018 Tesla Model 3 and a blue 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle. The Tesla, driven by an 18-year-old woman from San Jose, was heading northbound, while a 61-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman from Hayward were traveling southbound on the motorcycle.
According to CHP officers, for reasons still under investigation, the two vehicles collided head-on on the narrow, curving stretch of highway.
Both motorcycle riders were thrown from the vehicle and landed on the pavement. Despite quick life-saving efforts by emergency medical crews, they were both pronounced dead at the scene.
The young driver of the Tesla, however, was uninjured. Officers confirmed that both motorcycle passengers were wearing helmets, and the Tesla driver was wearing a seatbelt.
Investigation and Cause of the Collision
The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation by the CHP Santa Cruz Area. At this time, it remains unclear whether alcohol or drugs played any role in the deadly collision. Authorities are continuing their efforts to understand the circumstances that led to this tragic accident.
The deadly head-on collision serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of winding mountain roads, especially during busy travel times. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of two lives, and authorities work to determine the cause behind this heartbreaking event.
