Motorcyclist Killed in Lompoc Head-On Traffic Collision

A motorcyclist was pronounced dead following a collision with a vehicle near Lompoc on Wednesday evening.

At 5:43 p.m., California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports receiving a call about a traffic collision on Highway 1, less than a mile south of SR-246.

Joseph Cruz, 23 of Lompoc, was traveling south on a black and yellow 2015 Yahama YZF-R1 motorcycle. A 38-year-old woman* from Lompoc was traveling north in a blue 2022 Tesla Model S.

CHP reports Cruz was traveling at a speed greater than 55 mph approaching a right curve while the Tesla was traveling at a stated speed of 55 mph.

“The crash occurred as [Cruz] was unable to negotiate the curvature on the roadway and allowed [his motorcycle] to travel into the opposing lane of traffic, directly into the path of [the Tesla],” stated CHP.

The motorcycle collided head-on into the front of the Tesla.

Cruz was pronounced dead on the scene by emergency responders. The driver of the Tesla sustained minor injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by Officer T. Hall. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer Hall at 805-688-5551.

[*Ed Note: The name of the driver of the Tesla has been removed at the request of their family]