Sonora, CA…On November 4, 2023, at approximately 4:30p.m. 48-year-old Justin Brasiel of Modesto was riding on a 2002 Harley Davidson motorcycle westbound in the #1 lane of State Route 108 east of S. Washington Street along with his passenger 45-year-old Nikole Brasiel of Modesto. At that same time, 46-year-old Brandy Busch of Jamestown was stopped southbound on S. Washington Street at the intersection for State Route 108 in her 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. 37-year-old Ashley Boles of Sonora was stopped eastbound in the left turn lane of State Route 108 west of S. Washington Street in her 2012 Toyota Prius.

The traffic signal for eastbound and westbound traffic was red and the traffic signal for southbound traffic from S. Washington Street turned green. Ms. Busch began driving her Subaru into the intersection when Mr. Brasiel failed to stop for the red traffic signal and entered the intersection. As a result, the motorcycle crashed into the front left side of the Subaru.

Mr. Brasiel and Ms. Brasiel were both ejected from the motorcycle and came to rest on the roadway. Several citizens stopped and began administering lifesaving measures to Mr. and Ms. Brasiel until they were relieved by emergency personnel. Both riders were transported to Adventist Health Sonora where they succumbed to their injuries.

The occupants of the other vehicles were uninjured and wearing a seatbelt. Mr. and Ms. Brasiel each were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

The involvement of alcohol as a factor in this crash is being investigated.