A woman was killed early this morning in the area of Ashby Road and Fern Avenue in Merced.

Incident happened at 4:29 a.m.

CHP say a Honda Accord, driven by a 24-year-old male Merced resident, was traveling westbound on Ashby Road, west of Fern Street, at approximately 35 miles per hour. A 24-year-old female Merced resident was standing in the westbound lane of Ashby Road, just west of Fern Street and the Honda Accord. 

Due to the dark clothing and the minimal amount of lighting in the area, the driver of the Honda Accord did not immediately observe the pedestrian in the roadway. Upon observing the pedestrian, the driver of the Honda Accord applied the brakes and steered to the left in an effort to avoid a collision but was unable to prevent the Honda Accord from colliding with the pedestrian. Following the collision, the driver of the Honda Accord remained at the scene and emergency services responded to the location. Emergency services attempted to render aid but unfortunately the female pedestrian succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at scene.

The driver was determined not to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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