The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office has provided an update on the fatal car-pedestrian accident on State Route 14 in the town of Phelps on Thursday.
It happened a little before 9 p.m. Deputies were dispatched to the area of the accident, finding Joel Mercado, 45, of Geneva, had been struck by two separate vehicles on Route 14.
Investigation determined that Mercado was in the northbound lane of Route 14, which is unlit, wearing dark clothing. He was initially struck by a 2004 Honda, being operated by 32-year-old Timothy French. He stopped his vehicle to attempt to render aid to Mercado, but he was struck a second time by another vehicle traveling the same direction. The second vehicle was operated by 34-year-old James Bucklin Jr.
Mercado was pronounced dead at the scene. Prior to the accident, the Ontario County 911 Center received calls from concerned citizens regarding a male on a bicycle in the area of the accident.
Deputies were responding to that call when the accident was reported. A bicycle was located in the area where Mercado was struck.
No evidence of impairment was found during investigation. The investigation into the accident remains active.
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