Santa Rosa Police Department Investigating Fatal Traffic Collision

On Sunday, August 30, 2026, at approximately 9:59 a.m., the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) Communications Center received multiple 911 calls regarding a collision involving a vehicle and a motorcycle in the area of 3rd Street and Morgan Street in Santa Rosa.

SRPD officers responded with medical personnel from the Santa Rosa Fire Department and Sonoma County Fire District. Medical personnel provided lifesaving measures to the involved motorcyclist. The motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

The intersection was closed in all directions while SRPD accident investigators and field and evidence technicians investigated the scene. Based on witness statements and information provided by the other involved driver, investigators believe the collision occurred as follows:

A 2020 Acura sport utility vehicle was traveling northbound on the freeway offramp. A 2003 Harley-Davidson motorcycle was also northbound on the same offramp. The driver of the sport utility vehicle turned left (westbound) into the path of the motorcycle, causing the collision. Investigators do not believe impairment was a factor in the collision.  Investigators are still working to identify which lanes the drivers were in prior to the collision. 

The driver of the sport utility vehicle was identified as 33-year-old Santa Rosa resident Alejandro Escobar. Escobar remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation.

The motorcyclist was identified as 66-year-old Santa Rosa resident Dawna Dianne Heller.
On September 12, 2026, investigators were notified that Heller succumbed to her injuries.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the collision, or has dash camera, surveillance, or cellular phone video of the collision, is encouraged to contact Officer Zepeda of the Santa Rosa Police Department Traffic Division at (707) 543-8576.