Motorcyle rider killed in Fresno County crash ID’d. Other driver left the scene, CHP says

One person died in a hit-and-run traffic collision near Fowler early Thursday.

California Highway Patrol officers responded to the crash at Manning and DeWolf avenues around 4:40 a.m. and found a 35-year-old motorcycle rider thrown from his bike and lying on the dirt shoulder of the road.

The rider, later identified by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office as Christopher Garner of Fresno, was given medical attention on the scene before being taken to Community Regional Medical Center, where he died.

The CHP said its initial investigation showed Garner was traveling fast on westbound Manning Avenue and crashed into the back of another vehicle. It is unclear why the motorcycle rider failed to notice the car and whether drugs or alcohol may have been involved.

The car drove away following the collision and has not yet been identified or located, CHP said.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has other information is asked to contact the CHP at 559-262-0400.

This story was originally published March 7, 2024 at 9:37 AM.