More bad news today.
According to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, a 64-year old man was killed in a collision in West Covina early this morning.
Baldwin Park Resident Alberto Velez Hernandez was riding west on West Francisquito Ave when he was struck by a driver traveling south on Sunset around 4:41 am.
No word on whether he had lights on his bike.
Hernandez was taken to a local hospital, where he died half an hour later.
A street view shows a four lane street with a left turn lane in every direction at the intersection, which is controlled by a red light. There appears to be a bike lane on Sunset, but nothing on Francisquito.
In a rare concession, the police said either Hernandez or the unnamed motorist apparently ran the red light, rather than automatically blaming the guy on the bike.
Although they followed-up by saying the crash is being investigated as an accident, even though it may have been caused by either the driver or the victim breaking the law.
This is the 55th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 24th in Los Angeles County. It’s also the fourth bicycling death in West Covina since 2013.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Alberto Velez Hernandez and all his loved ones.
Thanks to Bike SGV for the heads-up.
We offer up our prayers for the family and friends of Mr. Hernandez.