An Escondido man has paid the ultimate price for allegedly failing to observe a stop sign.
According to a notice from the Escondido police department, the crash occurred at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Cedar Street around 8:04 Friday morning.
The victim, identified only as a 21-year old Escondido resident, was riding north on Cedar Street when he reportedly rode through the stop sign, and into the path of a minivan driver headed east on Grand.
He died there in the roadway, despite efforts to revive him.
The driver remained at the scene, and did not appear to be under the influence.
As always, though, the question is whether any independent witnesses actually saw him blow the stop, and whether it might have been possible for the driver to avoid him.
Anyone with information is urged to call Officer Mike Nelson of the Escondido Police Department’s Traffic Division at 760/839-4407.
This is at least the ninth bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the third that I’m aware of in San Diego County.
That compares with just five deaths in the county for the entire year in 2019.
Update: The victim has been identified as 21-year old Escondido resident Joseph Palacios.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Joseph Palacios and all his loved ones.
We lift up the family and friends of the young victim.
Obey the rules of the road.