A woman was killed in a Chico motorcycle crash on Sunday, September 24, according to the Chico Police Department.
What Happened?
According to responding officers, a Chico motorcycle crash occurred on Sunday night around 6pm at Holly Avenue and Mission Ranch Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers and medics from Butte EMS discovered an unconscious woman. They also found a Honda motorcycle lying in the road. After initial treatment at the scene, the female victim was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
Police had the road closed until 1am Monday morning due to the investigation, which was conducted by the Chico Police Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT). Officers do not know at this time if alcohol or drugs had any role in the crash. They also don’t have a cause of the accident and are asking for the public’s help.
The victim was identified as Nicole Fugate, 24, of Chico. Her identity was released by the Butte County Coroner’s Office on Monday morning. It was confirmed on Monday that Fugate is a graduate of Chico State University (BS Biology 2016).
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ms. Fugate’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
Chico Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Chico provides motorcycle riders with incredible beauty and plenty of scenery when it comes to going for a cruise. However, whether you ride to school, to work, or for fun, the roads of Chico are dangerous for motorcycle riders of all experience levels. From 2011-2016 there were a total of 59 motorcycle accidents in Chico. One of those accidents resulted in a fatality and five involved alcohol. The fatal accident did not involve alcohol.
The fatal accident occurred in 2016 on SR 99 North near Palmetto Avenue. Two other non-fatal accidents have occurred in that vicinity since 2012. The lone alcohol involved motorcycle collision occurred in 2016, resulting in severe injury. The accident occurred on West 2nd Street at the intersection with Ivy Street.
Between the years of 2011 and 2016, the highest concentration of motorcycle accidents occurred on SR 99 in Chico with a total of 12 accidents.
Motorcycle accidents can cause traumatic injuries such as skull fractures, brain damage, abdominal injuries, spinal cord damage and more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2015, helmets helped save the lives of more than 1,770 motorcycle riders. Recovery time from such a serious accident can range from months to years, and injured parties might not be able to work during this time. Always remember to wear your helmet and practice safe riding techniques.
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Chico Motorcycle Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Chico motorcycle accident attorney. If you or someone you love has been hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another party, please call my office at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free, and friendly advice. I am also available online at AutoAccident.com.
I have been serving the Chico and Northern California community for over three decades as an accident lawyer. You will be able to read through summaries of my prior cases on my verdicts and settlements page.
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