Motorcycle rider ejected off bridge and killed in Merced County crash, according to CHP

A motorcycle rider died Sunday when he was ejected from the motorcycle in a Merced County crash, according to authorities.

At about 9:18 p.m., California Highway Patrol officers responded to the area of State Route 165 just north of River Road, for a report of a collision involving an SUV and a motorcycle, according to CHP Officer Eric Zuñiga. Authorities said the section of the road where the collision occurred is located on a bridge that spans the Merced River.

Authorities said Juan Granados, 23, of Stevinson, was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban north on State Route 165 at about 40 mph and directly in front of a 37-year-old man believed to be from Turlock, riding a 2019 Harley Davidson motorcycle north along State Route 165 at a high rate of speed.

The CHP said for unknown reasons, the motorcycle collided with the rear of the Chevrolet. The collision caused the rider to be ejected from the motorcycle and off of the bridge. The rider was pronounced dead at the scene.

“By the time emergency personnel arrived to the scene, he had already succumbed to his injuries,” said Zuñiga.

Granados, who was not injured in the collision, remained on scene and cooperated with authorities. According to the CHP, Granados was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. Authorities said the collision remains under investigation.