The Ventura County Star reports the heartbreaking news that a six-year old boy was killed while riding his bike in Oxnard on Thanksgiving Day.
Anthony Martinez was riding on the sidewalk on the south side of the 1300 block of West Olive Street at around 4:20 pm when he reportedly rode into the street and was hit by a full-size GMC Sierra pickup driven by 50-year old Jesus Calderon Ruvalcalba. He was knocked off his bike and run over by the truck.
Despite the fact tat both Martinez and Revalcalba were traveling east, this does not appear to be a right hook; the collision seems to have occurred mid-block rather than at the intersection. There’s no report on how fast the truck was going, or any other factors that could have contributed to this tragedy.
However, the police report indicates that Revalcalba is not suspected of drug or alcohol impairment.
There’s also no word on why the boy may have left the sidewalk and ridden his bike into the street.
However, it’s important to remember that children are wild cards when it comes to traffic; they can often act on impulse with no consideration or awareness of the possible consequence. You should always give children the widest possible berth while driving or biking, and be prepared to respond instantly to unexpected actions.
The investigation is continuing; anyone with information about this collision is urged to contact Senior Officer Maria Peña at 805-385-7750.
This is the 64th confirmed traffic-related bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 4th in Ventura County.
My sympathy and prayers go out to Anthony Martinez’ family and loved ones.
Update: A follow-up story by the Star fills in most of the gaps in the earlier reports.
Evidently, Ruvalcaba, who lived on the same block as the victim’s family, had his view of the sidewalk blocked by a large commercial truck that the victim was riding around. Neighbors described Ruvalcaba as a very cautious driver, who was in tears following the collision.
Meanwhile, Martinez was described as a cheerful, intelligent and outgoing boy, according to the Star.
The 6-year-old boy struck and killed by a pickup while riding a bike near his Oxnard home Thanksgiving afternoon was a smart, athletic child who loved celebrations so much he called himself “Mr. Holiday,” grieving family members said Friday.
“He was just sunshine in our lives,” said his mother, Gloria Burciaga, 40
