Fresno professor, cyclist and mother mourned in fatal cycling crash. ‘We are heartbroken’
The Fresno woman killed while biking in the foothills northeast of Clovis was remembered as an avid cyclist and devoted educator.
The Fresno County Coroner’s Office said Adela Santana-Mullooly, 51, was the victim of a fatal head-on collision with a car about 10:20 a.m. Sunday on Watts Valley Road east of Pittman Hill Road.
Fresno State Dean of the College of Social Sciences Elizabeth Lowham said the university is mourning the loss of professor and mother of five.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the sudden death of Dr. Adela Santana-Mullooly over the weekend,” she said in a statement. “In addition to being a long-time, valued colleague in the anthropology department at Fresno State, Dr. Santana-Mullooly was an avid cyclist and a vibrant presence in the lives of many within the College of Social Sciences and across the university and community.”
She said the family has requested privacy as they mourn.
“We are focused on supporting each other and supporting those whose lives were touched by Adela including our students and our colleagues as we grieve her untimely loss,” Lowham said in the statement.
Santana-Mullooly’s LinkedIn profile said she was two months shy of 11 years at Fresno State, where she was a lecturer in anthropology. She had also taught nearly as long at Clovis Community College, the profile shows.
Clovis Community College President Lori Bennett also praised Santana-Mullooly in a statement to staffers and the community.
“Like many of you, I will forever remember Adela’s bright smile and contagious enthusiasm,” the statement said. “She loved teaching, cared deeply about her students, and was truly honored to be part of the Clovis Community College family.”
Psychological services were provided to students and staffers who required them, she said.
“We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to Adela’s family and her many friends. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers,” she said.
Santana-Mullooly leaves behind a 21-year-old step-daughter, 18-year-old step-son, 12-year-old son and twin 10-year-old boys, as well as with her husband, James Mullooly, who is also a professor at Fresno State and Clovis Community, according to officials.
She is also survived by her sisters, Alda and Analola Santana.
Crash while cycling in the foothills
The California Highway Patrol said Santana-Mullooly was on a Giant road bike as she cycled westbound on Watts Valley Road.
A 47-year-old Clovis man headed the other direction on Watts Valley Road in a 2017 Acura NSX allowed his car to cross into the westbound lane as he made a right, CHP said.
The driver’s side of the car struck the bike head-on, throwing Santana-Mullooly onto the roadway, CHP said. She was wearing a helmet, but was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver stayed on the scene and cooperated with officers, CHP said, and was not suspected of being impaired.
This story was originally published October 4, 2022 at 11:37 AM.
