Sacramento State senior psychology major Arlene Sasse died after being struck early Friday morning while riding her bike near the campus’ J Street entrance. She was 22 years old.

Sasse was traveling southbound toward Carlson at 1:45 a.m. when she was hit by a vehicle driving westbound on J Street, said Sacramento Police Sgt. Norm Leong.

Sasse was hit about 100 yards from where a “ghost bike” is chained to a pole at Carlson and H streets. The ghost bike is a memorial to another bicyclist who was hit and killed last year.

Leong said the 60-year-old woman who hit Sasse immediately pulled over. The driver said she did not see the bicyclist.

Sasse was rushed to the UC Davis Medical Center after the accident where she was later pronounced dead.

Leong said the driver was “likely within” the speed limit, but Sasse did not have reflectors on her bike &- which may have contributed to the accident.

“No alcohol or other drugs were involved in the scene, however investigators have not determined fault at this time,” Leong said.

Sasse planned to graduate this semester on May 20 with a degree in psychology.

Rachel Crossman, a close friend of Sasse’s and the family, said Sasse was born in the Netherlands, but later moved to the U.S. when she was 3 so her father could take a research position at UC Berkeley.

Sasse lived in the Bay Area city of Albany and was an avid volleyball player growing up. She played on the Albany High School team and the Golden Bear Volleyball Club in Berkeley.

Sasse worked as an office assistant at the Sac State Testing Center.

Crossman said Sasse loved music and taught herself to play the guitar. She also enjoyed shopping for bargains at Goodwill stores. She admired the fashions of the 1950s and “60s.

“She was a vibrant and vivacious girl,” Crossman said. “She has left tears of shock and sorrow among strong young men, of heartbreak and loss in her family. Throughout our kids’ high school years, Arlene was the funny, polite, sweet one who was always playing volleyball.”

Crossman said she will never forget when Sasse helped build a stage for her son’s backyard punk rock show.

“She took the stage in unforgettable style, rocked with the boys, and was a delightful girl,” Crossman said.

A service was held Tuesday at the Sacramento Memorial Lawn Funeral Home.

Yvette Villasenorcan be reached at [email protected]