Son dies in crash on family motorcycle trip

A family motorcycle trip ended in tragedy Saturday morning in unincorporated Monterey County when a couple’s son died in a crash, California Highway Patrol officials said.

At about 10 a.m. a father, mother and son were traveling south on U.S. Highway 101 near Dunbarton Road when they encountered heavy traffic.

The father and mother were on one motorcyclist and were able avoid crashing by maneuvering into another lane. Their son, however, applied his brakes but crashed into the back of 2007 GMC Yukon, CHP officials said.

Steven Meacham, 24, of Tehachapi was ejected from the motorcycle and ended up under a big-rig trailer. Meacham suffered major injuries and died at the scene.

According to CHP officials, neither drugs nor alcohol appear to have played a part in the collision.

The big-rig left the scene before CHP officers arrived. CHP officials said it’s possible the driver didn’t know Meacham ended up under his or her truck.

CHP officers are looking at video evidence and going over witness statements to see why the truck driver left the area.

Any big-rig drivers who were traveling through the area at about 10 a.m. are urged to inspect their vehicles to see whether it sustained any damage. If so, drivers are being asked to get in touch with officials at the Monterey Area CHP office if they believe their truck could have been involved in the crash.

CHP officials extended their deepest sympathies to the Meacham’s family, friends and loved ones.

Traffic increases in the summer months in Monterey County, as the county is a popular tourist destination. CHP officers encourage motorists to be extra vigilant and mindful even if they are familiar with the area.