Update: Bicyclist ID’d after vehicle hits him from behind in Merced County, CHP says
A 27-year-old bicyclist, identified by the coroner as Anthony Mendoza, was killed Tuesday evening in a crash in Merced County.
The crash happened at 9:33 p.m. on Belcher Avenue, west of Highway 59.
According to the California Highway Patrol, a 23-year-old Merced man was driving a 2012 Toyota Tacoma eastbound on Belcher Avenue at 45 mph, while Mendoza, from Merced, was eastbound on a silver BMX-style bicycle.
CHP said Mendoza was wearing dark-colored clothing and was not equipped with lights or reflectors. There were no streetlights or ambient lighting in the area.
CHP said that because of low visibility, the driver did not see the bicyclist and the Toyota struck the rear of the bicycle, causing it to be thrown onto the north shoulder and Mendoza onto the south shoulder.
The driver continued driving home and contacted his father, who called CHP.
The driver was cooperative with authorities.
Mendoza was pronounced dead at the scene. Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor in the crash, CHP said.
The incident remains under investigation.
A GoFundMe account was set up to help with funeral costs.
This story was originally published June 4, 2025 at 1:23 PM.
