Fresno police officer killed in crash while riding bike near Shaver Lake

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Fresno police officer has died after a crash while riding his bike near Shaver Lake.

The Fresno Police Department says Officer Steve Hunt had been a member of the department since 1989. The department added that he had just submitted his paperwork to retire at the end of August.

According to the California Highway Patrol, it happened just after 10:30 Saturday morning on McKinley Grove Road near the Wishon Campground.

Investigators say Hunt was going north on the right-hand shoulder when a Toyota Tundra was traveling southbound.

For an unknown reason, Hunt slid and was hit by the car. He died at the scene.

"He was more than just another officer in a uniform," said the department in a statement. "He was a passionate member of our law enforcement family."

The department added that Hunt was a Fresno Police Officers' Association board member.

The Fresno Cycling Club said that Officer Hunt was taking part in an annual member's ride called the "Tour De Lakes."

The president of the club, Dennis Ball, said that they were saddened by Hunt's death and added, "Steve was very talkative, friendly, and the kind of guy you'd want to be involved in cycling."

Jerry Dyer, Fresno's Mayor and former police chief said in a statement, "Steve will be sorely missed on so many levels, but he will never ever be forgotten."