Crime & Safety

Bicyclist Killed on San Tomas Expressway

The accident was reported at 11:44 a.m.

*Updated March 13 at 10:40 a.m.

A bicyclist was killed in a collision with a car on San Tomas Expressway between Campbell and Budd avenues, California Highway Patrol Spokesman D.J. Sarabia said.

According to Sarabia, CHP received the call at 11:44 a.m. on March 12 and arrived on scene at 11:48 a.m. A witness saw the accident and followed the driver of the gold Toyota Camery when she did not stop. The witness followed 20-year-old Melanie Souza, from San Jose, to the Peets Coffee on Union and Camden avenues.

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The suspect called her dad from the coffee shop, Sarabia said. Her dad then picked her up from Peets and drove her back to the scene, where she was detained for felony hit and run.

"It's unclear whether the bicyclist was completely on the shoulder or partially in the lane," Sarabia said. "Depending on the investigation, she may or may not be charged with vehicular manslaughter."

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The victim, a 59-year-old male out of Santa Clara was rushed to Valley Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 12:15 p.m. Sarabia originally said the victim was not wearing a helmet, but after speaking with the witness confirmed that the 59-year-old was in fact wearing the protective gear.

CHP will have about 500 feet of the two and three lanes along Southbound San Tomas Expressway closed for the next half hour while they investigate. 

"As of right now, alcohol was not a factor but we are still investigating what caused the collision," Sarabia said.

*correction: In the original publication, the victim's age was noted as 69. CHP has since stated the correct age is 59.

Related stories:

  • Fatal Pedestrian Hit and Run on San Tomas Expressway
  • LETTER: Family of Hit-and-Run Victim Looks for Answers
  • Family Still Seeks Answers in Death of Hit and Run Victim
  • Police: Bicyclist Left Brain Dead near Campbell Avenue
  • Cyclist Killed on Campbell Avenue Identified
  • Police: Cyclist Killed Thursday Attempting to Cross Campbell Avenue
  • Campbell Bicyclist Injured by Teenage Driver

 

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