Motorcyclist killed in crash on Highway 46 near Geneseo Road

By Paso Robles Press · Mon Mar 09 2026

PASO ROBLES — A Visalia man was killed Sunday night in a crash involving a motorcycle and a sedan on State Route 46 east of Geneseo Road, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

The crash occurred around 9:32 p.m. on March 8 when 47-year-old Russell Palomino of Visalia was riding a 2024 Harley-Davidson eastbound on SR-46 at a high rate of speed. Ahead of him, a 21-year-old Shandon man, identified as Antonio Hernandez, was driving a 2019 Toyota Corolla eastbound in the No. 2 lane at a speed greater than 65 mph.

Authorities said the front of the motorcycle struck the rear of the Toyota. The impact caused the sedan to lose control, cross the westbound lanes of SR-46, and come to rest on the westbound right shoulder.

Palomino was ejected from the motorcycle and sustained fatal injuries. None of the four occupants inside the Toyota were expected to have been injured.

Officials said it is unknown at this time whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash. The incident remains under investigation by the CHP Templeton Area office.