By California Highway Patrol
Contributed
On Nov. 17 at approximately 1:35 p.m., a 56-year-old man from Winchester was driving a black Harley-Davidson motorcycle with a 54-year-old female passenger, also from Winchester, northbound on Highway 243 approaching Marian View Drive. Carlos Alberto Adames, a 47-year-old male from Idyllwild was driving a white Ford F-150 with two passengers — Kirsten Ebner, a 45-year-old female from Idyllwild, and a 15-year-old female passenger from Idyllwild — southbound on Highway 243 south of Marian View Drive.
The preliminary investigation indicates the driver of the Harley-Davidson crossed the double yellow line into the southbound lane occupied by the Ford. The Harley-Davidson struck the left side of the Ford, causing both occupants of the Harley-Davidson to be ejected. The driver and passenger of the Harley-Davidson suffered fatal injuries as a result of the collision and were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Ford and his two passengers were uninjured.
Highway 243 was shut down in both directions for approximately one hour and 25 minutes for the investigation. Traffic was diverted around the closure using Saunders Meadow Road to prevent major traffic delays.
Alcohol and drugs have not been ruled out as contributing factors in the cause of this collision. During the investigation at the scene, it was determined that both riders of the Harley-Davidson were wearing non-Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmets. California Highway Patrol would like to remind motorcycle riders that DOT approved helmets are required by law and can greatly decrease the chances of injury resulting from a collision.
