Motorcycle rider killed in collision with vehicle south of Los Banos, CHP says

A motorcycle rider was recently killed in a collision with a car south of Los Banos in Merced County, according to authorities.

Officers responded to the collision in the area of Highway 165, south of Mervel Avenue at about 4:04 p.m., according to a California Highway Patrol news release. Authorities said an investigation determined a 79-year-old man from Santa Maria, was riding a 2019 Harley Davidson motorcycle north on Highway 165 at an unknown speed.

The driver of a 2017 Nissan Altima, identified as Eliseo Mendez, 30, of Merced, was traveling northbound on Highway 165 at a speed of about 60 mph just south of Mervel Avenue. According to the CHP, Mendez came to a complete stop in the lane due to a dog in the roadway.

The motorcycle rider was approaching the Nissan from the rear. The front of the Harley Davidson motorcycle collided with the rear of the Nissan.

The rider was ejected from the motorcycle and suffered major injuries. He was flown to Doctor’s Medical Center in Modesto and was later pronounced dead.

Mendez did not suffer any injuries in the collision, according to authorities.

The CHP said neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor in the collision.

This story was originally published November 28, 2022 at 11:51 AM.