Man killed in collision with semi

A moment of distraction may have contributed to the slow-speed, fatal collision of a 50-year-old male motorcyclist from Lemoore and a semi-truck and trailer Monday morning, on Avenue 18 1/2 near State Route 99, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP public information officer Greg Rodriguez said the fatality happened near the Pilot Truck stop about 10:30 am, and the solo motorcyclist was southbound on SR 99 when he took the Avenue 18 1/2 off ramp and had stopped at the stop sign.

“The semi driver was moving and had the right of way. He saw the motorcyclist stop and look left and then right. And then for unknown reasons, he drove into the intersection ... directly into the path of the semi truck’s trailers ... He was ejected and went under the truck’s third axle. It was a 2019 Harley Davidson motorcycle, and he was wearing a helmet,” Rodriguez said.

Motorists driving near the scene prior to arrival of police, said the body of the man was still under the rear semi trailer and had been covered with a blanket. Parts of the motorcycle were scattered for 25 yards, they said, and the parts were so damaged they were unable to tell the type of the motorcycle. A few other motorists had stopped at the scene, but there was nothing that could be done to help the man.

No alcohol is suspected at this time. Toxicology reports are pending. Distracted driving, fatigue, potential medical conditions and other factors all remain under investigation.