Missing mountain biker Brian Grangaard found dead nearly three weeks after crashing on Hemet area trail

More sad news from Riverside County, where a mountain biker has been found dead nearly three weeks after he disappeared while riding near Hemet.

According to My News LA, 45-year old Hemet resident Brian Darrell Grangaard was reported missing after he failed to return from riding in Santa Rosa Hills on May 25th.

His body was found late Thursday afternoon, hidden by heavy brush at the bottom of an embankment off Vista Del Valle near Rawlings Road.

Grangaard had apparently lost control while descending steep the curvy road, and ridden off the roadway at a high rate of speed.

He is believed to have died the same day.

There are now helmets, smart watches, and other devices that can report your exact location in the event of a fall or collision. While something like that could have aided in the search, there’s no way to know at this time if rescuers could have gotten to Grangaard before he succumbed to his injuries.

A crowdfunding page to help pay for the search raised $2,000, equalling the goal.

The investigation remains open, and anyone with information is urged to call the CHP’s San Gorgonio Office at 951/769-2000.

This is at least the 26th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the fourth that I’m aware of in Riverside County.

My deepest sympathy and prayers for Brian Darrell Grangaard and all his loved ones. 

Thanks to Phillip Young for the heads-up.

4 comments

  1. JJD says:

    We offer up our prayers for the family and friends of Brian Darrell Grangaard.
    I live about a mile from there and was up at Simpson Park at Christmas time with my MTB friend from Goleta. A rocky, rugged and popular trail riding area with beautiful views of the mountains and valleys.

  2. Renée Huffer says:

    My prayers go out to the whole family. Our son Michael passed away in March from a fall on his dirt bike at a local track. We feel for you and our hearts break for you. Just remember how blessed you are to have him as part of your family and cherish your memories.

  3. Lester says:

    I posted a memorial ghost bike today. RIP Brian

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