John Mendoza, 39, of Fresno, California, was killed on Friday night, May 15, 2026, after being struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding a motorized bicycle along Millbrook Avenue, just south of Gettysburg Avenue. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said the crash occurred around 10 p.m. when a white sedan collided with Mendoza, leaving him trapped beneath the vehicle. Emergency crews attempted lifesaving measures but were unable to revive him.
The driver of the sedan remained at the scene and was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Fresno police confirmed that alcohol was a contributing factor in the collision. Investigators interviewed witnesses and collected surveillance footage from nearby homes to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash.
Authorities reported that Mendoza had been riding in the bicycle lane at the time of the collision. The roadway between Norwich Avenue and Gettysburg Avenue was closed for several hours while the Fresno Police Collision Reconstruction Unit processed the scene.
Community members expressed grief over Mendoza’s death, describing him as a local resident whose life was cut short by impaired driving. His passing has reignited calls for stricter enforcement against DUI offenses and greater protections for bicyclists in Fresno.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police reviewing evidence and awaiting toxicology results from the driver. Officials emphasized that DUI crashes continue to pose a serious threat in Fresno, urging the public to avoid driving under the influence to prevent further tragedies.
