More bad news on a weekend dedicated to giving thanks.
Sadly, a 74-year old bike rider has died from injuries he received in a Laguna Woods collision just over two weeks ago.
According to NBC-4, the victim was riding on southbound Moulton Parkway near Santa Maria around 5:57 am on Saturday, November 15th, when he was hit by a 2006 Honda Civic. He was transported to a nearby hospital in grave condition.
Now the Orange County Register reports that Cesar Labastida succumbed to his injuries earlier today.
Both sources report that the driver, who has not been publicly identified, stopped to call 911 and render aid, and that police don’t suspect drugs or alcohol played a role.
No information is available on how the collision occurred or who may have been at fault.
The crash is still under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to call traffic investigators with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7000 or 949-425-1860.
This is the 81st bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 18th in Orange County; that compares to 12 for all of last year in the county.
My sympathy and prayers for Cesar Labastida and all his loved ones.
Thanks to Frank Peters for the heads-up.
Regarding protecting the identity of the driver I am opposed. How many now being killed by those who drive as the result of such evil policy is not just answerible by accurate number, but rather obviously is far too many. The decision to drive during times better safer alternatives cost less during is fundamentally a homicidal if not suicidal one as well. Lemmingly we drive on, rouletting the next round into the life on earth extincting chamber, satisfied sufficiently we are not the only so evil lunatic on the road. Inambition knows no greater bottom then this, it makes those who lynched comparitive saints in the carnage they inflicted. Be ashamed all who applaud the redaction and loss of innocent life it facillitates. May your popularity allow your tragic death next great potential reform. Too bad no driver yet killed mattered enough to us to change our ways. Perhaps some nondrivers murder will go more viral then hampsters rockin and the carnages end will be chosen. if so our challenge will be of surplus, harmony, health and peace. Apparently that so far a worst nightmare for too many 1 percenters reliant on work for those with oil we don’t just steal and kill for in other ways as well. Stranger things happen all the time.
Condolences for this tragic event. I google mapped the scene and tried to look for a similar spot as that in the newspaper picture but could not find it, maybe because google is not up to date? But whether on south or north bound Moulton, or west or eastbound Santa Maria, there is no bike lane and the accident spot is on the edge of the street near the curb. The back wheel was damaged but not the front. Looks like the bicyclist was hit from behind. At 6 am, it is still dark as sunset is at 6:30 am. There are pedal reflectors on. Can’t see if there was a rear light or reflector. Obviously, the motorist didn’t see the bicyclist. But was the bicyclist riding too far to the right which invited a close pass resulting in the accident? Or was there no rear tail light? Again, condolences.