Update: Motorcyclist dies after being ejected in Highway 99 crash with vehicle Thursday
A motorcyclist suffered a major head injury after colliding with a vehicle near the Hammett Road offramp on northbound Highway 99 Thursday morning.
Christopher Lopez, 21, of Ceres died from injures sustained after being ejected from his motorcycle, California Highway Patrol officer Thomas Olsen said in an afternoon update.
A preliminary investigation shows Lopez was approaching stopped commuter traffic when his 2007 Triumph motorcycle hit the rear of a 2010 Mercedes driven by Los Banos man Johnathan Mendes, 26, around 5:40 a.m. California Highway Patrol officer Thomas Olsen said both motorists were in the fast lane.
Lopez came to rest between the fast and middle lanes after being ejected, Olsen said. He was wearing a helmet and was transported by ambulance to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto.
The roadway was cleared by 6:30 a.m. Officers do not expect drugs or alcohol were involved.
CHP is asking anyone with information regarding the crash to contact officer Jose Gonzalez at 209-545-7440.
This story was originally published September 21, 2023 at 11:05 AM.
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