Well, that didn’t take long.
Just over ten hours into the new year, we’ve already seen the first person killed riding a bicycle in Southern California this year.
News Channel 3 is reporting that the victim was killed when he was struck by a motorist shortly after 10 am Wednesday near Highway 111 and Frank Sinatra Drive in Rancho Mirage.
The victim, identified only as a man, died at the scene.
The driver remained after the crash.
Unfortunately, that’s all we know right now. No word on how the crash occurred, or who might have been at fault. Hopefully, we’ll learn more soon.
This is the first bicycling fatality I’m aware of in Southern California this year, as well as the first in Riverside County.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the victim and his loved ones.
Update: A press release from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department says deputies were dispatched to the crash scene at 10:11 am.
According to the press release, the driver of the SUV cooperated with investigators, and there was no indication that drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Thomas of the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station at 760/836–1600.
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