Motorcyclist killed in solo-vehicle crash near Atwater, CHP says

A motorcyclist was killed in in solo vehicle crash on Sunday in the Atwater area, the California Highway Patrol reported.

At 8:18 p.m officers responded to the crash in the area of Atwater Boulevard and Bert Crane Road, according to CHP Officer Eric Zuniga.

Zuniga said emergency medical services personnel responded and pronounced the adult male motorcyclist dead at the scene.

He was riding a 2001 Kawasaki K1000 motorcycle westbound on Atwater Boulevard toward the intersection with Bert Crane Road at a high rate of speed.

The motorcycle left the roadway and struck a rock in a small landscaped section near the intersection with Bert Crane Road, Zuniga said.

After hitting the rock, the rider and motorcycle went airborne, according to Zuniga. The rider then struck a metal sign post that damaged his helmet causing significant injuries to his head.

Authorities said the Merced County Coroner’s Office is working to identify the man.

Speed appears to have been a factor in the crash,. which remains under investigation.