Sometimes it helps to wait a few days to write something, because the story can change.
That’s what happened when a man was killed riding his bicycle in Oxnard Sunday night.
Despite initial reports that the victim was a 45-year old North Hollywood man, he was later identified as 35-year old Oxnard resident Joey Paquet.
According to an updated story from the Ventura County Star, Paquet was riding against traffic on Oxnard Blvd at the northbound offramp to the 101 Freeway around 9:40 pm, when he was struck by a driver turning right off the offramp.
He died at the scene.
The driver of the SUV remained following the crash and cooperated with investigators; police don’t suspect the driver was under the influence.
Anyone with information is urged to call Oxnard Police Traffic Investigator Raul Camacho at 805/200-5668.
A crowdfunding campaign to pay Paquet’s funeral expenses has raised a little more than $2,700 towards the modest $4,000 goal. Commenters on the page described Paquet as a bright light who brought kindness and positivity to their neighborhood.
This is at least the 13th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the second that I’m aware of this year in Ventura County.
And it’s one more tragic reminder to always ride with traffic when you’re riding on the roadway.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Joey Paquet and all his family and loved ones.
