Groveland, CA…On Saturday, May 19, 2018, at approximately 10:50 am, 70 year old Clovis resident, Russell Merritt Jr., was riding down New Priest Grade on his 1993 Harley Davidson motorcycle, traveling westbound on SR-120 east of Grizzly Road. Mr. Merritt was unable to negotiate a right hand curve in the roadway and lost control of his motorcycle. The motorcycle overturned and Mr. Merritt was ejected.

Both the motorcycle and Mr. Merritt came to rest within the eastbound lane of SR-120. Mr. Merritt was wearing a half helmet and sustained major injuries. Mr. Merritt was treated on scene before being transported by air ambulance to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto. SR-120 was closed in both directions for approximately 45 minutes.

Neither alcohol nor drugs are suspected to have been a factor in the collision.