Ceres Police and the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office have identified the woman who was fatally struck by a car while crossing Richland Avenue Tuesday evening, March 12.

Gail Churan, 54, of Ceres, was hit while crossing the street in the 1500 block of Richland Avenue at approximately 8:20 p.m. The crash occurred south of Hatch Road.

When police arrived Churan was suffering major injuries. She was rushed to a local hospital where she later died.

Ceres Police Department Sgt. Jason Coley said the driver of the 2000 Chevy Express van that hit the woman immediately pulled over and waited for officers. David Ballam, 62, of Modesto, was cooperative with investigators. Police said Ballam was not under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. He was not injured and was released.

A preliminary investigation is being completed by the Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) while the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office is conducting a comprehensive medical examination as to the cause of death.

Anyone with information about the collision or woman is asked to contact Officer Sakasegawa at 538-5700, ext. 5423.