Motorcycle Accident Corralitos Road, Merk Road in Santa Cruz County
Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash in Corralitos Near Bradley Elementary School (Updated)
CORRALITOS, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2026) — A 23-year-old motorcycle rider died following a two-vehicle car accident involving a motorcycle Wednesday on Corralitos Road near Merk Road, prompting a road closure and emergency response.
The collision, involving a 2004 Yamaha motorcycle and a 2000 GMC pickup truck, was reported at approximately 7:02 a.m. Sept. 23 at the intersection just north of Watsonville.
A 61-year-old Watsonville man driving the pickup truck was traveling north on Corralitos Road and attempted a left-hand turn onto Merk Road. The truck turned into the path of the oncoming motorcyclist, causing the rider to crash into the truck. Emergency crews responded and located the rider bleeding and down in the roadway.
Paramedics transported the injured rider to a hospital, but the 23-year-old Santa Cruz County man died from his injuries.
A reporting party initially described the incident as a possible solo motorcycle crash, but later told emergency communications that a vehicle was still at the scene and had apparently struck the motorcycle. The circumstances of the collision remained under investigation.
By about 7:10 a.m., both lanes of Corralitos Road were blocked, according to California Highway Patrol incident information. Authorities requested two evidence tows, and additional emergency personnel responded to the scene.
The road closure affected traffic near Bradley Elementary School. School officials were notified that several students could be late because of the closure.
County road crews were also requested to respond for a closure on the opposite side of Merk Road.
Authorities had not released the rider’s name and the investigation into the crash is ongoing.
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When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Source: CHP Incident: 0058
