Overview

• On July 26, an 18-year-old woman driving a Tesla Model 3 struck Ernest and Lisa Latta’s Harley-Davidson head-on on State Route 9 just south of SR 35.
• Ernest Latta Jr., 61, and Lisa A. Latta, 59, were pronounced dead at the scene after being ejected from their motorcycle despite wearing helmets; the Tesla driver was unharmed thanks to her seatbelt.
• The California Highway Patrol responded shortly after 4:47 p.m. and has not yet determined if speed, alcohol, drugs or vehicle performance played a role in the collision.
• Relatives including daughters Christina and Vincent Gonzales have shared memories of the couple’s 40-year marriage, highlighting their community ties and shared love of motorcycling.
• The family’s GoFundMe campaign aims to defray funeral and memorial expenses as they await answers from investigators.