Update: BMX rider killed riding against traffic in Twentynine Palms Thursday night

A salmon cyclist was killed in Twentynine Palms last night.

According to the Hi Desert Star, a 32-year old man, whose identity has been withheld pending notification of next of kin, was riding against traffic on the north shoulder of Valley Vista Road west of Sherman Hoyt Road at 8:31 pm, when he reportedly attempted to cross the road. Note: The coroner’s office lists the victim’s age as 31.

He was struck by a westbound car driven by 31-year old Ann Marie Platzke of Twentynine Palms. The story inexplicably says he was struck from behind, which would be impossible given that they were traveling towards one another.

Other sources suggest the collision was head-on, which makes more sense. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:03 pm.

Investigators found an open container of alcohol near the victim, implying that he may have been riding under the influence, which is illegal under California law.

Drunk or not, the victim should have been able to see a car approaching directly in front of him on such a flat, straight road. Why he might have attempted to cross the road at that point will remain a tragic mystery.

This is the 25th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the third in San Bernardino County.

Update: The victim has been identified as 31-year old Micky James Mroz of Lucerne Valley. 

My prayers and sympathy for Micky James Mroz and his loved ones.

Thanks to Danny Gamboa for the heads-up.

3 comments

  1. Micks friend! says:

    Hi, I knew Micky.. He was working at a recovery ranch out there… Very possible HE WAS NOT drinking. He wouldn’t have just tried to cross the road with an on coming car, drunk or not! While I believe HE WAS SOBER!! he was no rookie drinker etc either!! Will we find out if he was sober or not??

    • Johnny says:

      Yup I’ve known micky james mroz (rest in paradice brother)… since 2000…. grew up together..straight brother!.. for sure no rookie..
      “We do it for love..we do it for hate..we do it for mick..we do it for kate”..(rocknrollgangster..si)…

    • Johnny says:

      Last time I got to see him. He came down from recovery to see me and was doin very good for himself.. that was a year before I found this horrid news bout my best friend MICK..I didn’t hear bout his death til a year after.. first time we hadn’t seen eachother in such a long stretch but too… ya I don’t believe he was drinking either. ..news reporters.. R.I.P. MICKY JAMES MROZ 1982-2014…

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