One dead, one injured in crash near Clearlake Oaks

A 59-year Yolo County man died Thursday afternoon in a vehicle crash after his pickup reportedly crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a motorcyclist on Highway 20 east of Clearlake Oaks.

Norman Leon Smith, a Woodland resident, died at the crash site west of New Long Valley Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The motorcyclist, Jeffery Ford, 58, of Clearlake Oaks, suffered major injuries and was taken by REACH helicopter to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, the CHP reported. He was in stable condition Friday night in the intensive care unit.

The crash occurred shortly after noon. Smith was traveling west along the highway when for unknown reasons his 2011 Ford F-350 crossed over the double yellow line into the eastbound lane, the CHP said. Ford attempted to avoid a collision, but he was ejected from his 2017 BMW motorcycle after being struck by the left front end of the pickup.

“Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be a contributing factor to this collision,” the CHP said. Smith was using a seat beat, and Ford was wearing a helmet.