Update: Man dies after being struck on Highway 99 near Keyes. ID’d by Coroner
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A man died Monday night after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 99, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash was reported around 8:18 p.m. on northbound State Route 99, just north of Faith Home Road, CHP officials said in a news release.
Emergency personnel arriving at the scene found Ermilo Soto Sotelo, 47, of Watsonville, lying in the slow lane with major injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
CHP investigators said preliminary evidence indicates Sotelo intentionally placed himself in front of moving traffic before being struck by an unknown vehicle. The driver continued northbound after the crash, authorities said.
On Feb. 27, CHP Modesto-area Public Information Officer Tom Olsen confirmed the case has been determined to be a suicide.
The crash remains under investigation. “We are still looking for the vehicle(s) that may have struck him,” Olsen said.
CHP officials are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Aaron Norseen at 209-545-7440.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, for free, confidential support 24 hours a day.
This story was originally published February 10, 2026 at 9:42 AM.
