Full Notification

On April 16, 2025, at approximately 11:15 a.m., a motorcycle and an agricultural bus were involved in a traffic collision at the onramp to northbound 101 at Main and Nicholson. The motorcycle was traveling west on Main Street, preparing to make a northbound turn onto the freeway. A bus traveling northbound on Nicholson had a green light when the motorcycle, stopped at a red light, made a right turn without yielding prior to entering the intersection. The motorcycle failed to navigate the turn and collided with the passenger side of the bus. The motorcyclist sustained major injuries at the scene and was transported to Marian Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver and passengers on the bus were uninjured.
 
Investigators do not believe drugs and/or alcohol were factors in the collision. Identification is being withheld pending notification of family. The case remains under investigation by the SMPD Traffic Unit. Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Officer Nickolas Barton of the Santa Maria Police Department Traffic Unit at (805) 928-3781 extension 1358.

Prepared by:
Lieutenant Nate Totorica
(805)928-3781 ext. 2430
ntotorica@cityofsantamaria.org