Tragic news from Moorpark, as two people are dead in a chain-reaction collision that took the life of a bicyclist and a motorcycle rider.
News initially broke last with a CHP report of a cyclist killed in a collision at the intersection of Moorpark and Tierra Rejada Roads around 5:21 pm.
However, the initial news report from the Ventura County Star, which is no longer available online, suggested that there were two dead at the scene in a collision between car and a motorcycle.
The confusion was cleared up this morning with news reports from the VC Star and Ventura radio station KTVA.*
A Saturn Ion driven by woman, who has not been publicly identified, was traveling south on Moorpark south of Tierra Rejada at 55 mph when she slammed into a cyclist riding on the shoulder, then overcorrected to hit the motorcyclist head-on on the opposite side of the road.
Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
The road narrows to a single lane south of Tierra Rejada, but has a wide, well-marked shoulder where the first victim was riding.
He was identified this morning as 53-year old Emmy Award-winning sound editor Maciek Malish. KTVA reports he won two Emmys for his work on the X-Files, as well as receiving numerous Emmy nominations. IMDb lists a number of credits dating back to 1987; he was currently working as dialogue editor on the new Westworld TV series.
The other victim was identified 42-year old Fillmore resident Jesse Cushman.
No reason is given for why the driver drifted onto the shoulder at such a high speed, although the description of the wreck suggests some form of distraction, However, it’s still under investigation by the CHP.
This is the 48th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the first in Ventura County.
Update: The Star confirms that investigators suspect that distraction appears to have played a role in the crash.
A CHP spokesman said the driver was apparently looking for something in the car when she swerved off the roadway, but it’s too early in the investigation to determine if the 26-year old woman will be charged.
The paper also notes that both victims were wearing helmets. However, a collision at 55 mph was unlikely to be survivable, with or without one.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Maciek Malish and Jesse Cushman, and all their loved ones.
Thanks to Lester Walters for the heads-up.
*Because of the Star’s paywall, and KTLA not allowing linkage to a single news story, these stories may be unavailable later.
Our prayers go up for the family members and friends of Mr. Malish and Mr. Cushman.
Rachel Hill was found texting her boyfriend at the time she killed my only child Jesse Cushman and the other bike rider. She has not been charged and still roaming free. Where is the justice. Please help.
Somehow these distracted driver cases are becoming alarmingly unsurprising.
Rachel Hill was found texting her boyfriend when she killed my only child Jesse Cushman and Mr. Malish. The police report just came out, she has not been charged and still roaming free. Where is the justice. Please help.
The Josh Cohen you replied to is an attorney specializing in bicycle cases. While he may not be able to help bring criminal charges against the driver, he might be able to help with a civil case if you haven’t already retained a lawyer. You can contact him by clicking on the ad for the Los Angeles Bicycle Attorney on the right.
Distracted driving is more dangerous than drunk driving.
At least a drunk driver tries to keep their eyes on the road versus a distracted driver who refuses to.
They are not sure that the driver will be charged? Someone leaves her lane at 55 mph, with no sign of mechanical failure, and kills two people and there are no charges? The woman needs to be in jail for a long time, not only for justice but for deterrence as well. Killing cyclists can’t continue to be “accidents happen.”
Robert, where did you see or hear that the driver that caused that horrific accident on September 12th may not be charged? While i’ve been looking for more info on this terrible accident, I haven’t found anything.
A little while after it happened I was driving home from Santa Rosa Valley (Camarillo) to Westlake Village and saw the road blocks, but didn’t know what happened.
Please I need help getting justice for my son Jesse Cushman who was killed by a selfish girl. We now got the police report after over 5 moths to find out she was texting her boy friend and then sent him a selfie from the hospital as my son laid dead by the side of the road also the bike rider Mr. Malish she killed. She has not been charged and is still roaming the streets, spent holidays with family as she killed my only child. I need direction to get her put where she belongs. Please help me as a mother who can never describe the pain I am in. My life is forever changed. Thank you.
I just read in the Ventura County Star that the driver, Rachael Hill, has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, even though the CHP recommended they be felony counts. I am shocked and extremely disappointed in the Ventura County District Attorney’s office. Misdemeanors?!? What an insult to the families and the citizens (and taxpayers) of Ventura County. I am embarrassed to be a resident.
My condolences to the Malish and Cushman and families.
I saw that. You can read my reaction here.