Motorcyclist struck from behind, killed in Antioch collision

ANTIOCH — A motorcyclist stopped for a red light was fatally injured Thursday when police said he was hit from behind by a speeding vehicle.

He was identified by the coroner’s office on Friday as William Marlik Jr., 63, of Bay Point.

The fatal collision happened about 2:08 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of Deer Valley Road and Prewett Ranch Drive.

Authorities said Marlik was stopped at a red signal light when he was struck by a speeding vehicle, causing him to be ejected.

Police did not say which street Marlik actually was on or what kind of vehicle hit him.

He was taken to a hospital, where he later died.

The force of the crash caused both the motorcycle and the other vehicle to collide with two other vehicles at the intersection, police said.

Authorities said police officers were nearby on an unrelated matter and immediately rushed to the scene and began rendering first aid to all involved. Police did not say exactly how many people that was or what the extent of their injuries were.

The driver of the vehicle that caused the collision remained on scene and was cooperating with traffic investigators. Police said speed and inattention appear to be the cause of the collision, but they did not announce an arrest in the incident.

Anyone with information about the collision is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 925-778-2441 or email traffic investigator Frederick Blumberg at fblumberg@antiochca.gov. People may also text-a-tip to 274637 CRIMES using the key word ANTIOCH.