Cyclist on life support after being hit by a car in Watsonville, police say

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV)- Watsonville Police confirmed that a 57-year-old man is on life support after he was struck by a car while riding a bicycle last Friday.

Investigators said the crash occurred on Main Street near Rodriguez Street around 1 p.m. on Friday afternoon.

Police said that the cyclist was following the rules of the road when he was struck by a Toyota sedan driven by a 31-year-old man that went off the road.

Investigators said the victim was taken to a local trauma center where he's fighting to stay alive.

Police corrected a previous statement indicating the man died.

"We extend our sincerest apologies to the family and community for the distress caused by our incorrect report regarding the status of the cyclist involved in a recent incident on Main Street near Rodriguez Street," Watsonville Police said.

They added "The information we initially provided, stating that the cyclist had passed away, was inaccurate. We have now been informed that the cyclist remains on life support. We understand the gravity of the situation and its impact on everyone involved."

Officers said the 31-year-old man stayed at the scene of the crash and is cooperating with the investigation.

Watsonville Police said their Traffic Unit will be conducting a follow-up investigation and have placed a traffic alert set for Sunday.

Police will be shutting down southbound traffic on Main Street between Rodriguez Street and St Patrick's Catholic Church from 6 a.m. to noon.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area and look for alternate traffic routes.