Crash on Colorado Ave north of Sumner kills Melissa Griffin
FRESNO, CA, (June 26, 2025) - A tragic collision involving a motorcycle and a tractor claimed the life of one person and left another seriously injured Thursday night, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Melissa Griffin, 47, of Tranquility, was killed Thursday night in a Fresno County crash involving a motorcycle and a tractor, officials said.
The crash occurred shortly after 9 p.m. on Colorado Avenue, just north of Sumner Avenue. Authorities say a Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycle was traveling southbound behind a John Deere tractor pulling a tank trailer. The motorcyclist attempted to pass the tractor when the bike collided with its rear.
Melissa Griffin, 47, of Tranquility, who was a passenger on the motorcycle, was pronounced dead at the scene. The male driver of the motorcycle was transported to the hospital with major injuries.
No charges have been announced at this time, and the crash remains under investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Motorcycle passengers face heightened risk on the road, largely because they have little control over the vehicle and are entirely reliant on the driver’s judgment and skill. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists experienced a fatality rate of 31.39 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2023—dramatically higher than the 1.13 rate for passenger car occupants.
“Motorcycle riders are arguably the most vulnerable motorists on the roadways, given the fact that there are no airbags or sturdy windows to protect them from an impact,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
Bond emphasized the need for thorough investigations in crashes involving motorcycles, especially when fatalities occur. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision,” she said.
In tragic cases like this, Bond stressed the importance of an independent investigation by a skilled attorney to protect the rights of the victim’s family and ensure accountability.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the family of Melissa Griffin may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. These legal actions can help surviving loved ones recover damages for loss of companionship, emotional distress, and pain and suffering after a devastating accident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
“A wrongful death lawyer will remain closely involved in the official investigation and work to ensure the victim's legal rights and best interests are fully protected,” Bond added.
Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).