Orange County cyclist dies two weeks after being hit by an SUV; 3rd area bike death in five days

Irvine cyclist Dan Crain; photo from Orange County Rebel Riders website.

This has been a very bad few days for SoCal cyclists.

Less than a week after pregnant cyclist Jennifer Costlow was killed in Gardena, and just one day after the death of a San Fernando Valley cyclist was announced at the Mayor’s Bike Summit, a 65-year old Irvine man unexpectedly died as a result of injuries he received in a collision on August 3rd.

Dan Crain was riding south on Newport Coast Drive at 6:40 pm when he was hit by a Land Rover merging from the Corona del Mar (73) Freeway.

According to the Orange County Register, Crain was attempting to move over to the farthest right lane when he was struck from behind. Police think Crain looked back at the vehicle, then crossed over in front of it. Witnesses say the driver slammed on the brakes but couldn’t avoid hitting his bike, throwing the rider into the air and onto the pavement.

Corona del Mar Today reports that Crain, a very skilled cyclist, was conscious following the collision and appeared to be on his way to a full recovery when he passed away, apparently due to complications from multiple back surgeries.

A note on the website for the Orange County Rebel Riders bike club describes Dan Crain as a “good friend and wonderful cyclist” with a “complete willingness to help others.” Another writer notes that traffic at the spot where Crain was hit can be travelling at 60 to 65 mph, allowing only 3 or 4 seconds to maneuver safely to avoid drivers exiting the toll road.

2 comments

  1. […] August 2010: Cyclist hit from behind. […]

  2. […] August 2010: Cyclist hit from behind. […]

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