Motorcyclist killed in crash outside Atwater

A 43-year-old Atwater man was killed late Monday when his motorcycle crashed head-on into a car on Elliott Avenue, outside Atwater, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The victim was identified by the Merced County Coroner’s Office as Ernest Sanchez Sr.

Investigators said the man was riding a 2005 Suzuki motorcycle west on Elliott Avenue, just after 10 p.m. The rider merged into the eastbound lane of traffic between Station Avenue and Buhach Road and collided with an oncoming 2013 Dodge Charger.

The driver of the Dodge, Deja Rae Mitchel, 33, of Merced, was not injured, according to the CHP.

Investigators said it was unclear why the motorcycle rider changed lanes when he did.

Sanchez was pronounced dead at the scene.

This story was originally published August 16, 2016 at 10:29 AM with the headline "Motorcyclist killed in crash outside Atwater."