LATHROP — An elderly Lathrop man, known by many as the “can man,” was struck by a car and killed Friday, March 14 while riding his bicycle down Manthey Road near Dell’Osso Family Farms.

Soe Tin, 73, was riding his bike at about 11:45 a.m., a quarter mile south of Stewart Road, when a southbound car hit him, according to a sheriff’s report.

Tin was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Over the years, many residents had come to recognize Tin — and his unique bicycle, which sported an American flag and was often piled high with cans and bottles that he picked up on his daily route through town.

Fred Manding, Acting Chief of the Lathrop-Manteca Fire District, said that Tin passed by the J Street fire station each morning, rain or shine, for years.

“Personally, I was devastated, because I saw the American flag lying there next to the bike,” said Manding, who arrived on the scene shortly after the crash. “I knew who it was right away.”

Lathrop resident Linda Rose recalled seeing Tin ride past her Fifth Street home.

“He was a little, tiny guy, but he could stack more boxes, bins and bags on a bicycle than anyone you’ve ever seen,” Rose said. “Everyone that ever saw him was totally in amazement.”

Some reported seeing Tin, up until he died, riding his bike as far away as Tracy and Ripon.

“A couple of times, I wanted to stop and talk to him, and get to know him, but never got the chance,” Manding recalled. “But he was a fixture in town, in a small community like this.”

Lathrop Police Services Acting Captain Bruce Wuest said Monday, March 17 that the crash was still under investigation, and could not comment on the specifics.

Tin’s family could not be reached for comment.