A 16-year-old Fresno boy was struck and killed by a pickup truck Thursday morning while attempting to cross Highway 99, authorities said.

The Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Maxwell Thompson, a student at Justin Garza High School, on Friday.

The California Highway Patrol said officers responded just before 9 a.m. to a collision on northbound Highway 99 south of Herndon Avenue.

Preliminary investigation indicates Thompson was attempting to cross the northbound lanes from the east shoulder toward the center divider when a Toyota Tacoma traveling in the far-right lane struck him. Thompson was propelled back into the shoulder.

CHP officers and emergency personnel arrived within minutes and began life-saving measures, but Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver remained on scene. Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash.

“This is an incredibly tragic loss, especially involving someone so young,” said CHP Fresno Area Commander Capt. Ian Holguin. “Freeways are designed for high-speed vehicle travel and leave drivers with little to no time to react to unexpected hazards. Pedestrians on freeways are at extreme risk.”

The CHP extended its condolences to Thompson’s family and loved ones.

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