Like the Wicked Witch of the West, a driver in Laguna Beach crashed into a man riding a bicycle, and his little dog, too.
Only one of them survived.
According to multiple sources, a man was riding a bicycle, with his small dog in a front basket, when he was struck by a driver at the intersection of Oak Street and Glenneyre Street just before 7 pm Saturday.
He was taken to a local hospital with critical injuries, where he was pronounced dead.
The victim’s dog, described as a small terrier, was taken to a veterinary hospital with minor injuries, and is expected to recover. Although who will care for it now is unclear.
The driver stopped at the scene, and was not suspected of being under in the influence.
There’s no word at this time on how the crash occurred, or the identity of the victim.
According to a statement from the Laguna Beach Police Department, “We send our deepest prayers and condolences to the deceased male’s family and hope they find strength through this unfortunate event,” said Laguna Beach Police Captain Mike Peters.
Amen.
This is at least the 38th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the sixth that I’m aware of in Orange County.
My deepest prayers and sympathy for the victim and his loved ones.
Thanks to Bill Sellin and Jeffrey Rusk for the heads-up.
