The identity of a motorcyclist who was killed in Burlingame Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 30, is that of an off-duty sheriff's deputy.
Eric Mertl, an off-duty deputy with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, was killed after his motorcycle collided with a car.
Mertl, 51, was riding at the intersection of El Camino Real and Bellevue Avenue in Burlingame at 12:15 p.m. when the crash occurred. He was taken to Stanford Hospital, but died from his injuries, Burlingame-Hillsborough Patch reported.
The driver of the car, a 64-year-old woman from San Carlos, was not injured in the collision.
Mertl joined the sheriff's office in 2005 after 19 years of service with the Millbrae Police Department, according to the sheriff's office. His most recent position was in patrol.
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office released the following statements Thursday afternoon:
It is with absolute sadness we inform you of Deputy Eric Mertl’s passing yesterday afternoon as the result of an off duty motorcycle accident.
Deputy Mertl leaves behind many friends and family, including a wife and 12-year-old son. Though we will continue to diligently protect our community, today and for the foreseeable future, we will do so with a heavy heart.
Funeral arrangements and further information will be provided as it becomes available.
Burlingame police are asking anyone with information about the collision to call police at (650) 777-4100.
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