Yet another bike rider has needlessly lost their life to an alleged drunk driver.
The Daily Bulletin is reporting that someone on a bicycle was struck by a driver while riding on the Pacific Electric Trail in Rancho Cucamonga Saturday evening.
According to the paper, 19-year old San Bernardino resident Jessica Carrillo allegedly ran a red light on Archibald Ave while the victim was crossing on the trail around 6:50 pm.
The Rancho Cucamonga Police Department reports the victim was riding west on the Pacific Electric Trail when she was run down as Carillo drove south on Archibald.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Facebook post identifies her as Debbie Morgan-Alam, a longtime member of the Ride Yourself Fit group.
Carillo remained at the scene, and was booked on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter, DUI causing injury and DUI causing injury with a blood alcohol content over .08 percent.
And proving once again that people on bicycles are at risk anywhere cars are present, even when riding on a fully separated pathway.
Anyone with information is urged to call San Bernardino Sheriff’s Deputies E. Rebollar or V. Peterson at 909/477-2800.
This is at least the 47th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the sixth that I’m aware of in San Bernardino County.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Debbie Morgan-Alam and her loved ones.
Thanks to Victor Bale and Michael Wagner for the heads-up.
Jessica Carrillo unlike the sibling of a mature victim has a specialized support group available to her and others who have killed or injured.
There is also SO MUCH help available to teens INCLUDING it being illegal for them to buy alcoholic beverages. Young people driving drunk do so with adult help and I await news of additional indictments in this case. Lock the teen up but not alone someone old enough to buy deserved the manslaughter charge as well.
How many of us know a teen who drinks and yet has a license? Being drunk at any time while a teen should void license to drive as teens drunk will NOT REFUSE TO DRIVE BUT MAY REFUSE TO DRINK IF THEY CAN’T KEEP LICENSE JUST FOR BEING A USER.
CONTINOUS SOBRIETY FOR ANYONE UNDER 21 to retain license mandate would make a fine “Debbie Morgan-Alam law.”
You bring up crucial points and I love your recommended new laws in memory of Debbi
What you need to know is that Debbie was a rare human being. She sang in the All Saints Episcopal Church choir even though she commuted from Ontario . She was caring and loving person who volunteered and donated to support those less fortunate. A true angel who treated everyone as a friend. She leaves a heart broken husband. A more special person you will not find❤️
Debbie was a wonderful person, my husband and I rode with her often. She was a beam of sunshine where ever she went. The driver has now condemned herself to a living hell. I hope she will get sober and develop her life to telling others not to drink and drive.
There is a memorial ride for anyone who wants to join 7/8 go to Ride Yourself fit (https://rideyourselffit.org), There is also a group of walkers participating