Modesto motorcyclist, 16, dies when trying to pass pickup in Tuolumne County

A 16-year-old boy from Modesto died at the scene after crashing his motorcycle south of Jamestown in Tuolumne County on Saturday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The collision happened about 12:30 p.m. when the teen was riding a 2013 Harley-Davidson motorcycle north on State Route 49 south of Chicken Ranch Road. He was traveling about 60 to 70 mph, a CHP news release said.

The motorcyclist was directly behind a 2018 Dodge Ram pickup driven by 27-year-old Bryce Hendren of Copperopolis. The rider tried to pass the pickup on the right by riding on the dirt shoulder of the highway, but he lost control and crashed.

The teen was ejected from the motorcycle and then struck the pickup. He suffered major injuries and died at the scene.

The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, the CHP said, and alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors.

Hendren and his passenger, Starla Hendren, were not injured.

The crash remains under investigation, and the identity of the rider is not being released by the Sheriff’s/Coroner’s Office because he is a minor.

This story was originally published November 21, 2022 at 3:57 PM.