Alamo Cyclist Was A Mother Who "Lived And Breathed" For Her Son

ALAMO, CA —The Contra Costa Coroner's Division released the name of a female cyclist killed Oct. 9 while riding her bike in Alamo. The coroner's office told Patch that the victim was named Allison Merkle, a 45-year-old woman from Walnut Creek. Merkle leaves behind a young son she "lived and breathed for," according to a GoFundMe page set up in her memory.

Merkle was riding her bike westbound on Livorna Road under the I-680 overpass at around 11 that morning, according to a California Highway Patrol report. A black Toyota bZ3X parked on the right shoulder of westbound Livorna Road drove into the roadway and crashed into her. She was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver stayed, and did not sustain any injuries.

The crash remains under investigation. No arrests were made as of Oct. 10, but Patch has reached out to CHP for updates.

"Allison leaves behind her beloved son, Nico, who she lived and breathed for. I am starting this fund with the blessing of Allison's parents and Nico's father with the intent to help with Nico's college fund," said a GoFundMe page aiming to raise $100,000. "Allison made a point to highlight how brilliant Nico is over the years--and I want to shower him with love in honor of his mother. All proceeds of this fundraiser will go towards Nico's education fund. A celebration of life is being planned in Allison's honor with details forthcoming."

Merkle was a senior client advisor at the San Francisco office of Marsh, a risk consulting and insurance brokerage firm, according to her LinkedIn profile.