Once again, a Southern California bike rider has been killed by an intoxicated driver.
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, a 59-year old Fallbrook man, whose name has been withheld, was riding on the shoulder of northbound Old Highway 395 south of Pala Mesa Drive when he was hit from behind around 3 pm Tuesday.
The driver, 19-year old Sulem Areli Garcia, also of Fallbrook, reportedly veered off the road to strike the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
She was booked on suspicion of manslaughter and driving under the influence of drugs; however, there’s no word on what she’s suspected of being on. Presumably, police will also get a warrant to determine whether she was using her mobile phone at the time of the crash.
A street view shows an unobstructed two lane highway with a wide paved shoulder on each side.
This is the 23rd bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the second in San Diego County.
Update: The victim has been identified as 59-year old Fallbrook resident Paul Burke; a GoFundMe account has been set up to benefit his family.
Meanwhile, the woman accused of killing him pled not guilty at her arraignment.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Paul Burke and his loved ones.
Our prayers go up for the family and friends of the victim.