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Denair cyclist killed in crash
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A Denair man out for a bicycle ride Wednesday morning was struck by a vehicle and killed along the outskirts of Turlock, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The deceased was identified as Nathan Miller, 30, of Denair. According to the CHP, Miller was a member of the armed forces.

The collision happened around 7 a.m. Wednesday in the area of Santa Fe and East avenues.

A Chevrolet pickup truck driven by 34-year-old Chad Russell of Turlock was headed eastbound on East Avenue, just west of Santa Fe Avenue. The bicyclist was also headed eastbound on East Avenue. He was riding a Cannondale bicycle.

According to the CHP, Russell's pickup truck struck the bicycle at an estimated speed of 57 miles per hour, causing Miller to be ejected from the bike.

Miller landed on the grass shoulder along East Avenue. He was wearing a bicycle helmet at the time of the collision, but sustained injuries that proved fatal. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Russell remained at the scene and has been cooperating with investigators. Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the collision, said CHP spokesperson Officer Tom Olsen.

East Avenue between Santa Fe Avenue and N. Vincent Road was closed for more than two hours for the investigation.

The CHP reminded motorists to keep a lookout for bicyclists and motorcyclists and give bicyclists three feet of space when passing.