LIVE OAK, CALIFORNIA — The tight-knit community of Sutter County is mourning the heartbreaking and sudden loss of Timothy Daniel, a 61-year-old beloved husband, stepfather, and long-time resident of Live Oak. Daniel tragically lost his life in a devastating motorcycle crash on Wednesday morning, July 16, 2025, after a vehicle collided with his Harley-Davidson on Highway 99 near Yuba City.
A Sudden and Tragic Incident on Highway 99
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the fatal accident occurred around 8:45 a.m. near the intersection of Highway 99 and Oswald Road. Timothy Daniel was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle northbound when the driver of a Toyota sedan, traveling southbound, attempted to make a left-hand turn directly into his path.
The collision caused Daniel to be ejected from his motorcycle. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but tragically, Daniel was pronounced dead shortly after due to the severity of his injuries.
CHP officers confirmed that the driver of the Toyota remained at the scene and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not announced any arrests or citations at this time, and toxicology results are pending.
“It was a preventable tragedy. Motorcyclists are vulnerable, and one moment of inattention from a driver can end a life,” said a spokesperson from CHP’s Yuba-Sutter Division.
A Beloved Husband, Stepdad, and Friend
Timothy Daniel was more than just a name in a police report. Friends and family remember him as a devoted family man, a loyal friend, and a kind spirit who always had time for others.
He had been married for over a decade and was a dedicated stepfather who played an integral role in the lives of his grandchildren and extended family. Neighbors described him as “the kind of guy who would help you fix your fence, mow your lawn, or lend an ear when life got tough.”
“He was a man of quiet strength and integrity,” said a close family friend. “He loved his family, his Harley, and the freedom of the open road.”
Daniel had a deep love for motorcycles and was a careful and experienced rider. His family shared that he often rode to decompress and enjoy the peaceful countryside of Sutter County.
Motorcycle Safety Concerns Renewed
This incident has once again reignited conversations surrounding motorcycle safety in Northern California. In 2024, motorcycle fatalities in California increased by 8%, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.
Motorcyclists make up just 3% of vehicles on the road, yet they account for 14% of all traffic fatalities in the state.
The CHP is urging drivers to double-check blind spots and look twice before turning, especially on high-speed corridors like Highway 99.
“Every life matters. This accident could have been avoided if more caution had been used,” said a CHP officer at the scene.
Community in Mourning
As news of the tragedy spread, messages of condolence and sorrow flooded social media. Friends, neighbors, and members of the Live Oak and Yuba City communities expressed grief and support for the grieving family.
A small memorial has begun to form near the crash site, with candles, flowers, and a photograph of Timothy with his motorcycle helmet placed gently against the tree beside the road.
His family has requested privacy as they process this immense loss but thanked the public for their kind words and prayers.
Funeral Arrangements and Legacy
A celebration of life service will be announced in the coming days. Friends and loved ones are encouraged to remember Timothy Daniel not for how he died, but for how he lived: with generosity, strength, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.
The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to motorcycle safety awareness organizations or local charities in Timothy’s honor.
In Loving Memory of Timothy Daniel (1964–2025)
A life well-lived. A ride cut far too short. Rest in peace.
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