Santa Cruz Mountains, CA – The tight-knit community of Hayward is reeling from the heartbreaking loss of Ernest Latta, 61, and Lisa Latta, 59, a beloved couple whose lives were tragically ended in a head-on collision on Highway 9 in the Santa Cruz Mountains on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
The devastating crash occurred around 4:47 p.m., just south of Highway 35, as Ernest and Lisa rode southbound on their cherished 2008 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, a symbol of their shared passion for adventure and the open road. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), their motorcycle collided head-on with a 2018 Tesla Model 3 driven northbound by an 18-year-old woman from San Jose. The force of the impact ejected both Ernest and Lisa from the motorcycle, and despite the efforts of emergency responders, including CHP and Cal Fire, the couple was pronounced dead at the scene. The Tesla driver, who was wearing a seatbelt, sustained no injuries.
**A Family Shattered by Grief**
The Latta family is grappling with an unimaginable void left by the sudden loss of Ernest and Lisa, whose love story inspired all who knew them. Their daughter, Christina Gonzales Latta, shared heartfelt memories of her parents, painting a vivid picture of a couple whose differences only deepened their bond.
“They were opposites, but they were the best pair,” Christina said. “They were like French fries and ice cream.”
Ernest, a quiet, humble, and intelligent man, was the steady protector of the family. His love for his Harley-Davidson was matched only by his devotion to ensuring Lisa’s safety whenever they rode together. Christina described him as an adventurer at heart, always meticulous about safety gear, especially for her mother.
Lisa, in contrast, was a vibrant, outspoken woman with a New York-style irreverence that endeared her to everyone. “She was a loudmouth, but one of the most loving ladies you could ever meet,” said her son, Vincent Gonzales. Having had Christina at 17, Lisa and her daughter shared a bond akin to sisters, growing up together through life’s joys and challenges. Lisa’s warmth and thoughtfulness left an indelible mark on her family and community.
The couple met in San Jose when Christina was just 2 years old, after Lisa relocated from Staten Island seeking a better life for her young daughter and son. Ernest and Lisa’s love blossomed over four decades, growing to include a son of their own and a legacy of unwavering devotion. Their favorite escapes included rides to Santa Cruz and Monterey, where they savored coastal walks, ocean views, and quiet moments together. Christina believes they were likely headed to Santa Cruz on the day of the crash, a place that held special meaning for them.
**A Search for Answers Amid Sorrow**
The CHP is actively investigating the cause of the crash, which remains undetermined. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether speed, distraction, or other factors contributed to the collision, nor have any arrests or citations been issued as of July 30, 2025. Both motorcyclists were wearing helmets, and the CHP has stated that it is unclear if drugs or alcohol played a role.
Christina, however, is haunted by questions about the Tesla driver’s actions. “I wonder if she was texting or speeding around that curve,” she said, her voice heavy with grief. “After I lay my parents to rest, I need answers.”
The night of the crash, an unsettling feeling gripped Christina when her parents didn’t return home to pick up their 7-month-old Yorkie, Arlington. She called hospitals across the Bay Area, desperate for news, only to receive the devastating confirmation from the Santa Cruz County Coroner the following day. Arlington, a cherished piece of Lisa’s spirit, is now in the care of Lisa’s brother, offering the family a small measure of comfort.
“For him, that’s a piece of her,” Christina said softly.
**A Legacy of Love and Resilience**
Ernest and Lisa Latta were more than partners—they were soulmates whose love radiated through every facet of their lives. From their early days in San Jose to their years exploring California’s highways, they embodied a rare and enduring connection. “The love they shared was the strongest I have ever witnessed,” Christina said, her words a testament to their unbreakable bond.
As the family prepares to say their final goodbyes, they have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and honor Ernest and Lisa’s memory. The outpouring of support from the Hayward community and beyond reflects the couple’s profound impact. Christina finds solace in knowing her parents are together forever, their love transcending even this tragedy.
“They’re always going to be together now,” she said, a quiet peace amidst her sorrow.
**Remembering Ernest and Lisa Latta**
– **Names**: Ernest Latta Jr. (61) and Lisa A. Latta (59)
– **Hometown**: Hayward, California
– **Date of Death**: Saturday, July 26, 2025
– **Cause**: Head-on motorcycle collision with a Tesla Model 3 on Highway 9
– **Survived by**: Daughter Christina Gonzales Latta, son, stepson Vincent Gonzales, extended family, and beloved Yorkie, Arlington
– **Known for**: Their profound love, adventurous spirit, and unwavering dedication to family
The Latta family urges anyone with information about the crash to contact the California Highway Patrol. As they navigate this profound loss, they remain committed to seeking truth, closure, and justice for Ernest and Lisa, whose love will forever light the way.
