This is not the news anyone wanted on the eve of Christmas and Chanukah.
According to the Whittier Daily News, a 17-year old boy was killed riding his bicycle home from a friend’s home on Thursday.
Unfortunately, not many details are available at this time. The paper reports Chandler Ray was struck by a car sometime in the evening at the intersection of Studebaker Road and Firestone Boulevard in Norwalk.
No word on how or when it happened, whether the driver remained at the scene or if he or she was detained by police. And no information on whether Ray died at the scene or was taken to a local hospital.
A street view shows what appears to be a busy intersection with four through lanes in each direction controlled by a traffic light, and left and right turn lanes on Firestone. As usual, there are no bike lanes in any direction.
The paper describes Chandler Ray as a popular and outspoken member of the Sante Fe High School football team.
A Go Fund Me account established in his name has already raised over $11,000 more than the $10,000 goal. It’s heartbreaking to think his family will never observe another holiday season without sadness.
This is the 72nd bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 32nd in Los Angeles County. He is also the third bike rider to die in Norwalk since 2014.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Chandler Ray and all his family and loved ones.
Our prayers go up for the family and friends of young Mr. Ray.
Such sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the young man’s loved ones.