Sad news from San Diego, where a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy died nearly two weeks after falling in a century ride.
Brian Villa, a 29-year veteran of the department, fell while riding in the Orange County Wheelmen’s Amtrak Century on September 9th.
He suffered a severe head injury, and was taken to a local hospital in grave condition; he was taken off life support and passed away on the 21st.
The crash apparently occurred somewhere between Solano Beach and Torrey Pines in San Diego County.
Villa was training for the annual Police Unity Tour. He leaves behind a wife and two teenage children.
A ride will be held in Irvine on October 28th to raise funds for his family, while a GoFundMe page has raised over $25,000, $10,000 more than the $15,000 goal.
This is the 46th bicycling fatality in Southern California, and the fourth in San Diego County. Six of those have been the result of solo falls.
Update: I’m told Villa was 56 years old, and may have been a resident of Orange County. He had participated in the Unity Tour in 2015.
A source places the location at 200 Camino Del Mar in Del Mar. The photo of the site below showing a deep pothole suggests why he may have crashed.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the Brian Villa and all his loved ones.
Thanks to Bill Sellin, Ellen Steel and Greg “Sarge” Christopherson for the heads-up.
Photo from GoFundMe page
