Motorcyclist killed in Highway 29 collision

Authorities say the rider broadsided a Tesla driven by an Oakland resident, shutting down a portion of the highway for 3 hours.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

A motorcyclist was killed on Saturday afternoon in a collision on Highway 29 south of Yountville, California. The rider, whose identity has not been released, was traveling at a high rate of speed on his 2019 KTM Duke motorcycle when he broadsided a 2018 Tesla Model X that was turning left onto northbound Highway 29 from Hoffman Lane. The Tesla driver, an Oakland resident, was uninjured. The southbound lanes of Highway 29 were closed for 3 hours as authorities investigated the incident.

Why it matters

Fatal traffic collisions, especially those involving high-speed motorcycles, are a major public safety concern in California's wine country region. This incident highlights the risks posed by speeding and the importance of safe driving practices by both motorcyclists and passenger vehicle operators.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol, the motorcyclist was riding southbound on Highway 29 at a high rate of speed when he approached the intersection of Hoffman Lane and broadsided the Tesla that was turning left onto northbound Highway 29. The rider was pronounced dead at the scene, while the Tesla driver, described as an Oakland resident, was uninjured.

  • The collision occurred just after 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
  • Authorities shut down the southbound lanes of Highway 29 for 3 hours to investigate the incident.

The players

Motorcyclist

The rider, whose identity has not been released, was traveling on a 2019 KTM Duke motorcycle at a high rate of speed when the collision occurred.

Tesla Driver

An Oakland resident driving a 2018 Tesla Model X who was turning left onto northbound Highway 29 from Hoffman Lane when the collision occurred.

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The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices, especially for motorcyclists who are more vulnerable on the roads. It also highlights the need for continued efforts to improve road safety and reduce the number of fatal collisions in California's wine country region.