This was a bad day for SoCal bike riders.
Starting with a fatal crash in Covina.
According to SGV CityWatch, the victim was struck by a driver while riding his bicycle in the 1000 block of West Cypress Street, near Homerest Ave, just before 7:30 am Monday.
He was unresponsive when first responders arrived on the scene, and declared dead at the scene.
And yes, the driver stuck around this time.
Unfortunately, that’s all we know at this time. No word on how the crash happened or who the victim may have been — although CityWatch notes the crash occurred near Covina’s Northview High School, just 12 minutes away by bike.
This is at least the 41st bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 13th that I’m aware of in Los Angeles County. And it’s second in the county in just three days.
Update: Our worst fears have been realized.
The San Gabriel Valley Tribune has confirmed that the victim was a 17-year old student at Sierra High School, Alexander Lopez, who lived in Covina.
“We were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of one of our high school students,” the Azusa Unified School District said in a statement. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and the entire community during this difficult time.”
According to the paper, Lopez was killed at 7:23 am, when he was rear-ended by a the driver of a white pickup while riding in the right lane. He died at the scene.
Actually, the paper didn’t mention that the truck actually had a driver until the final paragraph, when they mention that the driver wasn’t arrested yesterday, and the investigation is ongoing.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the victim and his loved ones.
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