A motorcyclist died Sunday afternoon while driving on Highway 33 in Los Padres National Forest over Ojai.
Daniel Figueroa, 42, from Santa Barbara, was driving a 2016 Ducati motorcycle while traveling south on Highway 33. A driving force in a 2015 Jeep that drove south on Highway 33 at the same time. The Jeep and motorcycle collided and Figueroa was fatally injured.
The cause of the collision is still under investigation. Figueroa was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other motorcyclists headed south on Highway 33 directly to Figueroa. Or they took steps to avoid the accident, which ejected them from their motorcycles. Both were transferred to Ventura County Medical Center with moderate injuries.
The driving force of the Jeep unharmed.
The collision was reported at approximately 12:15 p.m. near the Sespe Gorge domain on the national road also known as Maricopa Road. Route 33 is popular with motorcyclists for its view of the national forest lands and its trail through the rugged interior.
Highway 33 closed at the site of the turn of the destination for approximately 4 hours while CHP conducted an investigation.
Erin Rode covers housing, real estate and For The Star. Contact her at [email protected] or 805-437-0312.