Melissa Griffin Obituary, Death; – A 47-year-old woman was identified as the victim of a fatal collision Thursday evening in Fresno County. The crash happened at 9:15 p.m. on Colorado Avenue, just north of Sumner Avenue. According to the California Highway Patrol, a Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycle, driven by a man with a passenger, was southbound on Colorado Avenue.
The motorcycle was attempting to pass a John Deere tractor pulling a tank trailer by using the west shoulder of the roadway. The tractor, operating lawfully with an implement of husbandry emblem and required lights activated, was traveling in the same direction. The motorcycle drifted farther onto the shoulder and hit the rear of the tractor, CHP said.
Both the driver and passenger were ejected from the motorcycle. The passenger, identified by the coroner as Melissa Griffin of Tranquillity, died at the scene. The man was seriously hurt and was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center. CHP said alcohol and/or drug impairment did not appear to be a contributing factor.
