Crime & Safety

Motorcyclist Killed in Bus Accident ID'd as San Rafael Man

The man was riding on northbound Highway 101 when he appeared to lock up his brakes and lose control of the motorcycle, according to the CHP

The Marin County coroner's office has identified the motorcyclist who was killed Wednesday by a paratransit bus on U.S. Highway 101 as 65-year-old Thomas Jenkins of San Rafael.

An autopsy is scheduled for today and a cause of death will be pending toxicology tests, Lt. Keith Boyd said.

Jenkins was riding a motorcycle in the No. 2 lane of northbound Highway 101 south of North San Pedro Road in heavy traffic around 5:30 p.m. when he appeared to lock up his brakes and lose control of the motorcycle, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Andrew Barclay.

When Jenkins and the motorcycle fell onto their left sides, Jenkins landed partially in the No. 1 carpool lane, Barclay said.

Jill Tramontano, 62, of Fairfax, was driving a 2003 Ford F-350 paratransit bus for Whistlestop Wheels of San Rafael in the carpool lane behind the motorcycle, Barclay said. Tramontano saw Jenkins fall and tried to slow the bus and steer to the left to avoid hitting him, but he was struck by the right rear of the vehicle, Barclay said.

Tramontano immediately merged to the right and informed her dispatch center of the collision, Barclay said. Because she did not immediately stop, the CHP dispatch center received reports she was fleeing the scene, according to Barclay.

Tramontano, however, exited the highway, informed the CHP of her location and said she was trying to return to the scene, Barclay said. She was told to stay in place and was contacted by CHP officers.

The CHP and the San Rafael Fire Department responded and found Jenkins deceased in the carpool lane, Barclay said.

Two passengers Tramontano was transporting at the time were uninjured, and intoxication does not appear to be a factor in the crash, Barclay said.

Whistlestop Wheels provides transportation for people with special needs.

The collision closed the two left lanes of northbound Highway 101 between the Lincoln Avenue on-ramp and North San Pedro Road off-ramp for an hour and 45 minutes, Barclay said.

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