Fresno, CA – A motorcyclist who was injured in a hit-and-run collision on Olive Avenue in Central Fresno on Memorial Day has died from his injuries, according to Fresno police.
The victim has since been identified as Richard Cortes.
The crash occurred during the evening hours of May 25, 2026, on Olive Avenue in Fresno.
Investigators said Cortes was riding his motorcycle westbound on Olive Avenue when a silver Jeep attempting to make a left turn reportedly pulled into his path, causing a collision.
Cortes sustained major injuries to his head, neck, and back and was transported to a hospital for treatment. Reports indicate that Cortes was placed in an induced coma and was unable to breathe on his own before later succumbing to his injuries over the weekend, the family said on a GoFundMe page.
The driver of the Jeep, identified as 33-year-old Yzamar Mendez, was later taken into custody after returning to the scene while officers were still investigating the crash.
Authorities said Mendez was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and driving with a suspended license.
Fresno police officers responded to the scene shortly after the collision and conducted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The collision caused disruptions in the area as investigators examined the scene and gathered evidence related to the fatal Fresno crash.
The incident remains under investigation.