Man killed, stepdaughter seriously injured after motorcycle crash in Merced County

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- A woman is grieving the loss of her husband as her daughter recovers from serious injuries after a motorcycle crash in Merced County over the weekend.

Just after midnight Sunday morning, the California Highway Patrol says 49-year-old Wesley Wrinkles and his stepdaughter crashed on Highway 99 near Mission Avenue in Merced.

Wesley was declared dead at the scene.

His wife, Crystal Wrinkles, recounts the moment her daughter, Aryanna, called her after the accident.

"My phone rang, it was Aryanna, I answer it and she's like, 'Mom, I'm hurt.' (She's) screaming and crying," recalled Crystal.

She asked Action News to not show her face during this tough time.

Crystal says late Saturday night, her husband was picking up her daughter, Aryanna, in Auberry and was almost home.

"We determined maybe a high rate of speed and pretty much for unknown reasons, he lost control and ended up in the center median," CHP Sgt. Luis Lara explained.

Both were wearing helmets and were ejected from the motorcycle.

Wesley died at the scene.

Crystal said Wesley was tired that evening and gave Aryanna his riding gear to wear that night.

She thinks the gear saved her life.

"He would've given his life for us any given day," she said.

15-year-old Aryanna suffered major injuries and is being treated at the UC Davis Trauma Center.

"She's doing okay, though," Crystal said. "Her leg was completely broke in half. Other than that, she's got a bruise on her hand and that's it so really, it's a blessing."

Wesley leaves behind three daughters of his own and a granddaughter.

"He was an amazing man, and he was very good for us for years. That man was my whole world. He was all I had," she said through tears.

She added life is fragile and hopes people hold onto their loved ones extra tight.

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