Atwater, CA (February 3, 2026) — A section of the southbound Highway 99 on-ramp in Atwater was closed for nearly three hours Monday afternoon after a man was found dead along the roadway near the Applegate Road overpass, according to official reports and the Merced Sun-Star. The incident occurred around noon on Monday, February 2, 2026, prompting California Highway Patrol officers and other first responders to secure the scene and conduct an investigation.
The California Highway Patrol’s Merced office said it received a report of a pedestrian lying on the right shoulder of southbound State Route 99 at Applegate Road. Upon arrival, officers determined that no vehicle was involved in the incident. Traffic was blocked and the on-ramp was temporarily closed while investigators worked at the scene.
News sources state the deceased was a 28-year-old male. Preliminary findings indicate the man may have either accidentally fallen or intentionally jumped from the Applegate Road overpass onto the highway. CHP emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that the circumstances surrounding the death have not yet been fully determined.
Officers are seeking witnesses or anyone who may have information related to the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Ruvalcaba with the California Highway Patrol at 209-356-6600. Further details, including any findings from the Merced County Coroner’s Office, are expected to be released through official channels as they become available.
