72-year-old motorcycle rider killed in head-on collision on Highway 59, CHP says
A 72-year-old man was killed May 16 when he was struck head-on in Merced County.
The crash happened just before 9:45 a.m. on Highway 59 and Snelling Road.
The California Highway Patrol said a 92-year-old man from Coulterville was driving a 2017 Toyota pickup truck southbound on the 59, approaching Snelling Road. A 72-year-old man from Hilmar was riding a 2000 Honda motorcycle northbound on the 59, also approaching Snelling Road, at approximately 55 mph.
CHP said the 92-year-old neared the intersection, slowed and, for unknown reasons, made an unsafe left turn directly into the path of the motorcyclist.
The front of the pickup truck collided head-on with the motorcycle.
The 72-year-old rider was ejected from the motorcycle and was pronounced dead.
The 92-year-old driver sustained major injuries and was taken by air to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto.
CHP said the motorcycle rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation and alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors in this incident.
