A Modesto man died early Monday after being struck by an SUV on Lake Road near Meier Road in Hickman, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The incident occurred around 4:40 a.m. Emergency responders found a Chevrolet SUV with front-end damage and a pedestrian who had suffered major injuries. The pedestrian, a 39-year-old man from Modesto, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the SUV was identified as Nazario Lopez Bustos, 70, of Atwater. He was not injured in the crash.
Investigators said Bustos was driving eastbound on Lake Road when he encountered a pedestrian walking ahead in the same lane. “Bustos turned left in an attempt to avoid the pedestrian, who also moved to the left. The SUV struck him with its right front end,” CHP reported.
Bustos was wearing his seat belt and is not suspected of driving under the influence, authorities said. It remains unclear whether drugs or alcohol played a role for the pedestrian.
Traffic was diverted for a short time Monday morning while officers conducted their investigation.
The name of the deceased will be released by the Coroner’s Office after family notification.
