Merced County, CA (September 19, 2025) – A man riding a bicycle was killed in a hit-and-run crash early Friday morning in Merced County, and authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying the driver responsible.
Accident Details: The California Highway Patrol reported that the incident occurred around 6:20 a.m. on Santa Fe Drive west of Shaffer Road, just outside the community of Winton. The bicyclist, described as a man in his 40s or 50s, was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane when he was struck head-on by an eastbound vehicle.
The impact hit the front wheel of the bicycle, throwing the rider onto the roadway. Emergency responders arrived and found the man unresponsive. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle fled eastbound toward Shaffer Road without stopping.
Investigation: CHP officers are leading the investigation and have not yet identified the vehicle or driver involved. Investigators are working to determine the exact time of the crash and are reviewing roadway conditions and any potential surveillance footage from the area.
Authorities say hit-and-run crashes require careful forensic reconstruction, as officers analyze debris, skid marks, and the bicycle’s damage to estimate the type of vehicle that may have been involved. Investigators are urging anyone who may have been traveling along Santa Fe Drive that morning to come forward with information.
The investigating officer has been identified as Tyler Mason, and CHP has provided both daytime and after-hours contact numbers for tips.
Legal Considerations: Hit-and-run fatalities often leave families devastated and searching for answers. Under California law, drivers are required to stop and render aid when involved in a collision, regardless of fault. Fleeing the scene of a fatal crash is a felony offense that carries severe penalties if the driver is found.
Families of victims in these situations may be able to pursue wrongful death claims once the responsible party is identified. Compensation may include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and recognition of the emotional impact caused by the sudden loss of a loved one.
This tragedy serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of bicyclists and the need for all drivers to remain alert, cautious, and responsible on the road.
My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the bicyclist who tragically lost his life in this Merced County hit-and-run.
Source: YourCentralValley