Motorcyclist killed in crash on Highway 154 identified as Laguna Blanca teacher

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A motorcyclist who died in a crash on Highway 154 Wednesday has been identified.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Coroner's Bureau identified the motorcyclist as Peter Angeloff, 70, from Santa Barbara.

On Tuesday evening, California Highway Patrol responded to reports of a motorcycle crash on Highway 154 near Paradise Road.

Santa Barbara County Fire, Los Padres National Forest Firefighters and paramedics responded as well.

Crews found a man suffering from major injuries. Santa Barbara County Fire Captain Daniel Bertucelli said Angeloff was seriously injured after crashing into a guardrail and tumbling 100 feet over the side of Highway 154.

The early investigation indicated that he had failed to navigate a turn and went over the side.

Laguna Blanca School administrators confirmed to our newsroom that Angeloff, known affectionately as "Ace," was a longtime science instructor at the school.

"There are no words to shelter us from the shock and pain of his passing. Peter has been a force in the lives of our Laguna community since 1983. The study of the natural world has been Peter’s life pursuit, and he shared this passion with his students not only in the classroom, but in the Sierra and local back country during the LBS Outing Club’s many annual wilderness trips.

Peter said he liked to think of himself as a Natural Philosopher, asserting that we are all students of science “for our complete lives.” He was trained in physics, chemistry, and mathematics, with advanced degrees in philosophy and science education. Before Laguna, Peter had worked as an assistant to physicists, chemists, and engineers. He always considered himself extremely fortunate to have been able to pursue his interests in science, education, wilderness exploration, and athletics as a career at Laguna Blanca School.

Peter loved to support his students inside and outside of the classroom. He attended every home game to encourage his fellow Owls, and he never missed an opportunity to showcase his omelet making skills during UPick classes, to laugh about the cosmos, and to connect with students one-on-one. He was our esteemed golf coach and we celebrated his passion for the sport and his dedication to our community with the annual Angeloff Alumni Golf & Tennis Classic.

Our faculty, staff, students, and alumni have access to immediate counseling support to help process feelings of shock and loss and to also share memories and appreciation for Peter."

Statement from Laguna Blanca School

This was the second deadly motorcycle crash to happen in Santa Barbara County Tuesday. Another motorcyclist was killed on Purisima Road near Lompoc.