A motorcyclist died after receiving major injuries in a crash with a vehicle in Santa Maria last week, police confirmed Monday.
At 4:30 p.m. Thursday, officers responded to a crash at 2673 S. College Drive for a report of a crash involving two vehicles, Lt. Paul Van Meel said.
Officers discovered a motorcyclist had been driving northbound on College at Bradley Road when the driver of another vehicle failed to yield the right of way while trying to make a left turn, Van Meel said.
The motorcycle rider collided into the driver’s side of the vehicle which resulted in major injuries.
The motorcyclist was taken to Marian Regional Medical Center, but died due to his injuries.
Police did not release the name of the driver involved in the crash or the motorcyclist.
However, a GoFundMe page, “Support the Rohwedder Family in Memory of Mason,” has been launched to help the family of Mason Rohwedder, 18, saying he was killed in a motorcycle crash on Thursday.
A memorial with flowers, photo, baseballs and a sign sits in front of Santa Maria Fire Station No. 4 at the intersection.
Calling him “a shining light,” the GoFundMe page notes his lengthy history playing baseball in the Orcutt area.
“At just 18 years old, Mason was a college student, a talented baseball player, a friend, and most importantly, a loving son and protective brother,’ the site said.
He played baseball for Orcutt American and Orcutt Babe Ruth, and graduated from Orcutt Academy High School in 2024.
He was in his freshman year at Cuesta College.
“Aside from riding motorcycles, his passions were baseball and his country (Mason was very patriotic). Mason was most comfortable behind home plate; earning him a chance to play with the collegiate baseball program in Palm Springs and with the Santa Maria Indians,” the page said.
“He had a bright future ahead of him!”
Rohwedder reportedly had started the process of enlisting to serve in the U.S. Army.
“When not in class or on the field, Mason could be found cheering on his sister and beaming with pride watching her pursue her passions; helping younger baseball players hone their craft; riding motorcycles with his dad; playing in the dirt and hugging the horses with his mom; and just bringing joy to his family and those lucky enough to know him.”
Additionally, a petition, “Retire Mason Rohwedder’s Baseball Jersey #9 at Orcutt Academy High School,” on change.org seeks to retire the number he wore playing catcher at Orcutt Academy.
“Mason was not only an excellent student but also a great motivation for his peers on and off the baseball field,” the petition says.
He gave back to the community by becoming an umpire for younger baseball leagues. He also attended Outdoor School his senior year as a counselor, impacting all the sixth-grade students he encountered, the page said.
The Santa Maria Police Department’s Traffic Bureau is conducting the crash investigation and requested anyone with information contact Officer Matthew Jensen at 805.928,3781, ext. 1233.