Delhi man identified as victim in fatal crash in Merced County

A pedestrian killed late Sunday when he was struck by cars while crossing Highway 99 in Merced County has been identified.

The Merced County Coroner’s Office on Monday confirmed the man killed was 56-year-old Doney Alvarez of Delhi.

Alvarez was killed at 7:46 p.m. while crossing the northbound lanes of Highway 99 near Collier Road, between Delhi and Livingston, according to the California Highway Patrol.

He was struck by two vehicles, officers said.

The first vehicle struck Alvarez in the fast lane of northbound Highway 99. That vehicle fled the scene after the crash. A second vehicle, a 2013 Hyundai Accent, was unable to avoid striking Alvarez due to “low lighting” and the fact Alvarez was wearing dark clothing, the CHP said. The driver of the second vehicle remained on scene and spoke with officers.

Alvarez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officer Moises Onsurez said investigators believe the first vehicle was a dark blue 2013 to 2017 Ford Fusion; its passenger-side mirror was found at the scene, so it will be missing from the car.

“It may also have additional damage to the vehicle,” Onsurez said, adding that investigators are hoping someone from the public will come forward with information identifying the car and driver.

Northbound traffic remained closed for several hours after the crash.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Merced-area CHP office at 209-356-6600.

This story was originally published January 2, 2017 at 12:23 PM with the headline "Delhi man identified as victim in fatal crash in Merced County."