Cyclist in critical condition after Jenner-area crash

A 59-year-old cyclist remained in critical condition at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital Saturday morning, one day after he crashed on the Sonoma Coast, CHP officials said.

An initial witness told officers the cyclist may have been struck by a hit-and-run driver, but evidence at the scene indicated the cyclist may have crashed on his own, Sgt. Andrew Henkens said.

Officers have not yet been able to interview the cyclist, John Youmans of Davis, Henkens said.

Youmans crashed at about 5:05 p.m. Friday on northbound Highway 1 between the Russian River bridge and the town of Jenner. He hit the wall of a steep embankment at a slight curve in a mainly straight stretch of the highway, Henkens said.

Officers still want witnesses to come forward and help investigators determine why Youmans crashed off the right side of the road.

An initial witness thought a dark-colored sedan hit the cyclist from behind and kept driving. However, the witness saw the crash from a distance and officers found no physical evidence at the scene to indicate a vehicle was involved, Henkens said.

Anyone with information can call CHP dispatch at 707-551-4100.

You can reach Staff Writer Julie Johnson at (707) 521-5220 or julie.johnson@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @jjpressdem.