LAKE CO., 5/21/26 — A woman from Redwood Valley died in a solo motorcycle crash on state Highway 20 in Lake County last weekend, the California Highway Patrol said.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office confirmed next of kin was notified and the woman was identified as Michelle Hatcher-Berndt, 57, of Redwood Valley. The CHP said Hatcher-Berndt was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash Sunday morning by emergency personnel.
Hatcher-Berndt was remembered by House of Freedom, an Oklahoma church where she ministered youth in the past.
“You were such a powerhouse here on earth, you impacted the lives of those you encountered,” House of Freedom’s post on social media read.
According to the CHP, officers found Hatcher-Berndt around 11 a.m. Sunday near the base of a steep embankment. A preliminary investigation determined Hatcher-Berndt was riding by herself headed east on Highway 20 near Old State Highway in Lake County where she drifted off the road toward the south and struck a curb.
CHP officials said Hatcher-Berndt’s motorcycle traveled up an embankment before becoming airborne and ejecting her.
The crash is still under investigation by the Clear Lake-area CHP office. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the office at (707) 281-5200.
Inexperience on a big Harley will kill a person.
Know your limits.
harsh thing to say
sucks to die being ejected then lord knows what suffering afterwards
accidents do happen
speaking from experience too
anyone who rides knows sometimes you stack
only liars and people who dont ride say that
We were hit dead on by a drunk driver. It’s scary on 20! Even cars get out of the way for people who drive on and over the yellow line. Think before speaking please.