I could just cry.
Minutes after finishing a report on yesterday’s fatal solo cycling collision in Chula Vista comes word of yet another fatality on Thursday, this time in Rancho Cucamonga.
According to the Press-Enterprise, 25-year old Fontana resident Alex Patrick Silva was riding with a friend on Wilson Avenue just east of San Sevaine Road when he was hit from behind by a car around 11:55 pm. He was transported to the Kaiser hospital in Fontana, where he died in the ER.
The driver fled the scene. No description of the suspect vehicle is available at this time.
Anyone with information is urges to call San Bernardino Sheriff’s deputies at 909/477-2800, extension 7680.
This is the 38th cycling fatality so far this year, and the sixth in San Bernardino County, as well as the ninth cycling fatality in just the last eight days. It’s also the 10th fatal bike-related hit-and-run in the seven county SoCal region so far this year — and the 4th since last Friday.
My prayers for Silva and all his family and loved ones.
Update: KABC-7 reports that witnesses have identified the suspect vehicle as a sporty, red car, possibly a convertible, likely to have damage to the left front, including broken windshield and driver’s side window. According to the station, Silva was an art student and avid cyclist who died just a mile from his home.
Update 2: KTLA-5 reports that an arrest has been made in this case. Fifty-seven-year old Fontana resident Mark Sanders reportedly turned himself in to sheriff’s deputies at the Rancho Cucamonga station while detectives were searching his home after serving a warrant. He was booked on a charge of hit-and-run resulting in death, and is now free on $100,000 bail.
*sigh*
My family and I are so very sorry for your loss, your family is in our prayers, my little brother is a friend of Alex’s, this is such a tragedy
We love you Alex. You became family to Alejo and I and we are truly blessed to have had you apart of our lives.
Alex’s girfriend started a thread on the SoCal forum of BF talking about Alex and asking for Share the Road signage.
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/832475-Alex-Silva-Fontana-CA
My deepest condolences to Alex’s family and friends. I can’t begin to understand the pain they are feeling. But, as a cyclist my heart sinks and I hurt when I hear about the death of a fellow cyclist wherever it may happen.
We have to let motorists know that it is unacceptable to hit cyclists and leave them in the road to die. There appears to be a growing number of motorists around the world who are choosing to run from collisions only making matters worse for themselves and most certainly their victims. One way to stop motorists from choosing to run is by making it perfectly clear that if they run, they will be caught and justice will be served. To help find the motorist who killed Alex I am offering a reward of $500 for information leading to the arrest of the motorist involved.
I will only need confirmation from your San Bernardino Sheriff Department that your information lead to the arrest of the person(s) involved.
These roads are “our” roads and we must learn to share our roads in ways that allow all users to travel safely. This kind of motorist behavior is wrong and should concern all members of our communities…Please, if you know who hit and killed Alex, please call the San Bernardino Sheriff’s deputies at 909/477-2800, extension 7680 and help them bring this person to justice.
Joe Mizereck
http://www.3FeetPlease.com
joe@3FeetPlease.com
1.800.761.0907
Thank you for your generosity, Joe. However, an arrest has been made in this case; my apologies for not updating this story with the information.
I recently lost a good friend who was cycling in Sunset Beach. Also hit from behind. I was deeply saddened when I drove past the memorial for Alex. I did not know him, but from the outpouring one can see that Alex was loved and was a fine young man. I am so very sorry for your loss, such a promising life was cut short. Alex’s family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you!