OROVILLE, CA — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is investigating a tragic motorcycle accident in Oroville that occurred Tuesday morning on Highway 162, leaving one rider dead and another in critical condition.
The crash was reported around 10:44 a.m. near Mistletoe Lane, where CHP officers—along with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, CAL FIRE, and paramedics—responded after receiving reports of two downed motorcyclists.
According to authorities, both riders were traveling eastbound on Highway 162 at a high rate of speed when they lost control and veered off the road, colliding with a dirt embankment. Despite wearing helmets, speed was a major factor contributing to the severity of the crash.
One motorcyclist was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The second rider was airlifted to Enloe Health, where he remains in critical but stable condition.
The victims’ identities have not yet been released as authorities are notifying their families. The Butte County Coroner’s Office will release more information once next-of-kin notifications are complete.