Once again, someone has been killed riding a bicycle on a Southern California freeway.
And once again, with no explanation for why he was there.
According to multiple sources, a man was apparently attempting to cross eastbound State Route 78 near Centre City Parkway in Escondido when he was struck by a driver Saturday night.
Authorities place the time of the crash just after 9 pm.
A witness reports the victim was riding from the center divider to the right shoulder when he was hit. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
He has not been publicly identified yet. However, a crowdfunding page identifies him as Escondido resident Jerry Torres.
His brother-in-law describes Torres this way —
Jerry was a good man, he and Sue had started a new life together, he had his struggles but was working on overcoming them – he had a good heart, and was a friend to all who met him, he had a great smile that warmed a room.
So far, it’s raised just $100 of the $5,000 goal for funeral expenses.
This is at least the 45th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 13th that I’m aware of in San Diego County, which is already two to three times a normal year.
It’s also the third SoCal bike death that’s become public in the last three days.
Update: The San Diego Union-Tribune confirms the identity of the victim as 53-year old Escondido resident Jerry Torres.
The driver was reportedly doing 55 mph at the time of the collision.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Jerry Torres and all his loved ones.
