The Hawthorne Police Department is reporting that a bike rider was killed crossing Imperial Highway Saturday afternoon.
According to a press release from the department, the victim was riding south across the roadway on the 4300 block of West Imperial Highway when he was struck by a westbound car around 3:50 pm.
He was thrown approximately 100 feet, which suggests he was struck at a significant rate of speed. The car veered into the center median before slamming into a palm tree, sheering it off at the base.
The victim, who hasn’t been identified, was taken to Harbor UCLA Medical Center, where he later died.
Thirty-year old Hawthorne resident Andrew Figueroa was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drunk driving, and could face a manslaughter charge.
A street view shows a divided roadway with three lanes in each direction, with an unsignalized intersection at either end of the block.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective John Dixon of the Hawthorne Police Department Traffic Bureau at 310/349-2701.
This is the 48th bicycling fatality in Southern California, and the 21st in Los Angeles County.
And it should be yet another reminder to always carry ID whenever you ride.
Our prayers go up for the family and friends of the victim.