According to the California Highway Patrol, a 2012 Toyota Tacoma driven by a 23-year-old Merced man was traveling eastbound on Belcher Avenue when it rear-ended Mendoza, who was also traveling east on a silver BMX-style bicycle
Merced County, CA.- The bicycle rider who was killed in a collision involving a vehicle in Merced County on Tuesday night has been identified as Anthony Mendoza, 27, according to the Merced County Coroner's Office.
The crash happened on Belcher Avenue near Highway 59 at around 9:30 p.m. on June 3.
According to the California Highway Patrol, a 2012 Toyota Tacoma driven by a 23-year-old Merced man was traveling eastbound on Belcher Avenue when it rear-ended Mendoza, who was also traveling east on a silver BMX-style bicycle.
Mendoza was thrown onto the north shoulder while his bike ended up on the south shoulder.
He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the Toyota drove home after the collision and contacted his father, who then reached out to the CHP.
The driver cooperated with investigators and was not suspected of DUI.
Authorities reported that the accident occured at an unlit section of the roadway and the bicyclist had dark clothing and lacked lights on the bike.
The incident remains under investigation.