UPDATE: According to the California Highway Patrol, alcohol is suspected to be a contributing factor in the early-morning Sunday crash on Highway 166 that killed a motorcyclist.
Officers say the motorcycle went off the road and onto a dirt shoulder before colliding with a barbwire fence.
The rider and passenger were both ejected. Both were taken to the hospital but officers say the passenger died from their injuries.
“We share with sorrow that this motorcycle crash claimed a life. The loss of a life is always a tragedy which impacts friends, family, and loved ones. Please remember that operating any vehicle, especially a motorcycle, requires full attention, sound judgement, and quick reflexes. These abilities are severely compromised when a rider is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We urge all motorcyclist to ride responsibly and always wear protective gear,” said Santa Maria Area Commander Lieutenant Joseph Rodriguez in a press release.
The names and ages of the two people involved have not yet been released.
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ORIGINAL STORY: One person was killed in a motorcycle crash on Highway 166 on Saturday.
It happened just before 2:30 p.m. in the area of Spanish Ranch, about halfway between Santa Maria and New Cuyama.
According to CAL FIRE SLO, the motorcycle went off the roadway. One person died at the scene while a second person with major injuries was taken by helicopter to Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria.