Melissa Duncan Killed in Bicycle Accident on Canal Road in Glenn County
Melissa Duncan Dies One Week after Glenn County Bicycle Accident on Canal Road near Wyo Road
Glenn County, California (May 7, 2019) – The bicyclist who struck and critically injured by a vehicle last week Wednesday in Glenn County has died, according to the CHP.
The deadly bicycle accident happened at about 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 1 on Canal Road, just south of Wyo Road.
The California Highway Patrol said Mario Vega, 29, of Orland, was driving a Mercedes northbound on Canal Road at around 55 miles per hour.
Vega was in a gentle curve in the roadway and was approaching Melissa Duncan, 52, of Orland, who was riding her bicycle northbound on the far right side of the northbound lane.
For an undetermined reason, Vega reportedly allowed his Mercedes to steer right, partially off the roadway and onto the gravel shoulder as he approached Duncan. The Mercedes then rear-ended the bicycle.
As a result of the collision, Duncan was carried a short distance on the front of the vehicle as Vega reportedly steered sharply to the left. As the Mercedes crossed both lanes of Canal Road, Duncan fell off the front and was propelled a short distance in a northerly direction and fell in the southbound lane and stopped.
As per the CHP report, the Mercedes continued to travel out of control in a northwesterly direction off the west side of the roadway, across the gravel shoulder and down a steep ditch embankment, where it landed in the canal water. The Mercedes drifted with the current for approximately 100 feet before coming to a stop on the east embankment, almost completely submerged.
Bicyclist Dies Week after Being Hit by Car in Glenn County Wednesday, May 1
Vaga was able to extricate himself and went to check on Duncan on the roadway. Duncan sustained critical injuries and was taken to Enloe Medical Center in Chico, where she succumbed to her injuries later in the week after she was removed from life support.
Vega was not injured in the accident.
The crash remains under investigation.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Duncan. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult period.
Every year, several traffic accidents are reported in California. Unfortunately, accidents result in many fatalities and even more injuries. The causes of these traffic accidents range from distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, reckless driving, bad weather, wrong-way driving and failure to observe traffic laws. It is evident that negligence on the part of motorists is the leading cause of these accidents.
If you have lost someone you love in a fatal car accident, we highly recommend that you seek legal guidance and fight for justice. At Pacific Attorney Group, we go to a great length to ensure that an insurance company follows the law and offers a full compensation for your loss. Call our firm today, and we will help you get justice for your loved one.
If you are a family member of the person killed and would like a free copy of the police report, please contact Pacific Attorney Group at 1-800-358-9617.
Bicycle Accidents
It is almost impossible to escape injuries in bicycle or bicycle accidents. Riders are therefore encouraged to wear safety helmets all the time. Helmets save lives by reducing the severity of head injuries in the event of a collision. Should you be involved in a bicycle accident, you are encouraged to report to notify the authorities who will then issue you with a written report of the incident. You are also encouraged to take photos of any injuries you suffer and damages to your bicycle. It is also a good idea to keep copies of any medical records and any related expenses.
