Motorcycle rider killed in Merced County head-on collision, CHP says

Authorities are investigating a fatal collision involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck in Merced County on Thursday.

Just after 8 a.m., California Highway Patrol officers responded to the area of Applegate Road just south of Atwater Jordan Road outside the city of Atwater, for a report of a head-on collision involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck, according to CHP Officer Eric Zuniga.

Authorities said a man was riding a motorcycle in the northbound lane of Applegate Road at the same time a woman was driving a Dodge pickup truck in the southbound lane. For unknown reasons the motorcycle veered into the southbound lane in front of the pickup and the vehicles collided head-on.

According to Zuniga, the motorcycle rider was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said it appears the driver of the pickup tuck was unable to avoid the collision and is cooperating with investigators. The driver of the Dodge was not injured in the collision.

Applegate Road is currently closed between Rose Avenue and Atwater Jordan Road and is expected to reopen around 11 a.m., according to Zuniga.

The CHP said neither drugs nor alcohol appears to be a factor in the collision, which remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the collision is asked to contact the Merced area CHP office at 209-356-6600.

This story was originally published July 27, 2023 at 3:41 PM.