Bicyclist killed on Childs Avenue identified by coroner

A 53-year-old bicyclist killed Tuesday night after being hit by a truck on Childs Avenue has been identified as John Foley III of Madera, according to the Merced County Coroner's Office.

The death was reported about 7 p.m. after the victim had been riding a bicycle westbound on Childs Avenue, east of Tower Road. A 55-year-old Merced resident was driving a 2001 Ford westbound on Childs Avenue, behind the bicyclist, according to the CHP.

As the Ford approached Foley, the CHP said, the driver observed the victim riding on the right edge of the westbound lane of Childs Avenue. The driver turned the Ford to the left, trying to avoid the bicyclist, but was unable to do so, officers reported.

The front of the Ford collided with the rear of Foley’s bicycle. The victim was thrown from the bicycle onto the dirt shoulder of the road, the CHP said.

Foley was taken by ambulance to Mercy Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. The driver of the truck wasn't injured, according to the CHP.

Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.

— Sun-Star staff