Santa Cruz Mountains, CA – The Hayward community is mourning the devastating loss of Ernest Latta, 61, and Lisa Latta, 59, a devoted couple whose lives were tragically cut short in a head-on collision on a winding stretch of Highway 9 in the Santa Cruz Mountains on Saturday afternoon, July 26, 2025.
The fatal crash occurred around 4:45 p.m., just south of Highway 35, as Ernest and Lisa were riding southbound on their Harley-Davidson motorcycle, a passion they often shared together. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), their motorcycle collided with a Tesla Model 3 traveling northbound, driven by an 18-year-old woman from San Jose. The impact was catastrophic, throwing both Ernest and Lisa from the motorcycle. Despite life-saving efforts, the couple was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Tesla was reportedly uninjured.
A Devastating Loss for a Devoted Family
The Latta family’s heartbreak is profound and raw. Their daughter, Christina Gonzales Latta, spoke emotionally about the life her parents shared and the love that defined them.
“They were opposites, yet they complemented each other perfectly,” she said. “They were like French fries and ice cream.”
Christina described her stepfather, Ernest, as a quiet, humble, intelligent, and adventurous man who cherished his Harley and always prioritized safety—especially when her mother, Lisa, rode with him.
“He was a protector,” she added. “I don’t know why my mom and dad are gone. It’s very hard.”
Lisa, Christina’s mother, was described as loud, thoughtful, and deeply caring. The two shared a unique bond that started early—Lisa had Christina at 17, and they “grew up together,” as Christina said. Lisa later met Ernest in San Jose when Christina was just 2 years old. Together, they built a family and a life centered around love, shared adventures, and a profound connection.
The couple had been together for 40 years, and Christina believes they were en route to Santa Cruz on the day of the crash—a city they loved and often visited to enjoy a nice meal or walk along the coast. Along with Monterey, Santa Cruz was one of their favorite weekend destinations, emblematic of their love for the ocean and the freedom of the open road.
Lingering Questions and a Family’s Call for Justice
The crash remains under investigation by CHP, and as of Wednesday, no arrests or citations have been announced. The agency has not yet revealed whether distraction, speed, or other factors played a role. Christina, however, suspects that the Tesla driver may have been at fault, questioning whether the young motorist may have been texting or speeding around the curve.
“After I lay my parents to rest,” Christina said, “I need answers.”
She described the eerie feeling of knowing something was wrong that night. The Lattas had planned to return home to pick up their 7-month-old Yorkie, Arlington, but never arrived. Christina called hospitals across the Bay Area in a frantic search for her parents. The grim confirmation came the next day from the Santa Cruz County Coroner.
Today, Arlington is being cared for by Lisa’s brother—keeping a living piece of Lisa close to the family.
“For him, that’s a piece of her,” Christina said, holding back tears.
A Life Shared, A Legacy Remembered
Ernest and Lisa Latta were more than a married couple—they were best friends, soulmates, and a reminder of the enduring power of love. Their story touched all who knew them. From their humble beginnings in San Jose to their years of riding together through coastal highways, they lived a life full of passion, laughter, and family. Christina said her parents found a rare kind of joy in each other that never dimmed over the decades.
“The love they shared was the strongest I have ever witnessed,” she said.
Now, as the family prepares to lay them to rest, they’ve launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and honor the memory of Ernest and Lisa. Christina’s focus remains on giving her parents the farewell they deserve, while pushing for clarity and accountability from the investigation.
“They’re always going to be together now,” she said with a quiet sense of peace.
Remembering Ernest and Lisa Latta:
- Names: Ernest Latta (61) and Lisa Latta (59)
- Hometown: Hayward, California
- Date of Death: Saturday, July 26, 2025
- Cause: Motorcycle crash involving a Tesla Model 3 on Highway 9
- Survived by: Daughter Christina, son, extended family, and beloved Yorkie, Arlington
- Known for: Their deep love, adventurous spirit, and dedication to family
Anyone with information regarding the crash is encouraged to contact the California Highway Patrol. The Latta family continues to seek truth, closure, and justice for the couple’s untimely death.
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