Motorcycle rider killed in Merced County head-on collision identified by coroner

The Merced County Sheriff Coroner’s Office identified Tuesday the motorcycle rider killed in a head-on collision with a pickup truck.

Kelly Koger, a 61-year-old Kelly from Atwater, died Thursday morning during a collision on Applegate Road just south of Atwater Jordan Road outside the City of Atwater, according to Deputy Alexandra Britton. Koger was riding a motorcycle in the Northbound Lane of Applegate Road.

Authorities said for unknown reasons, the motorcycle veered into the southbound lane directly in front of a woman driving a Dodge pickup truck.

The two vehicles collided head-on and Koger was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the CHP, it appears the driver of the Dodge was unable to avoid the collision.

Anyone with information regarding the collision is asked to contact the Merced Area CHP office at 209-356-6600.