Somehow, I missed this one.
La Opinion reports that a 13-year old boy was killed when he was hit by a car in Boyle Heights on Monday.
According to the Spanish language newspaper, the collision occurred near the intersection of Sheridan and Cummings Streets while he was walking his bike. KCBS-2 places the time of the collision around 7:50 pm; both sources say he died about four hours later.
The driver remained at the scene. No other details about the collision are available at this time, though KCBS says the car “slammed” into the boy, suggesting a relatively high-speed impact.
The victim was identified by La Opinion as Chris Rodriguez, described as a cheerful boy who frequently rode his bike around the neighborhood.
An altar with flowers and a helium balloon had appeared at the site by morning; the paper reports family members gathered around it, weeping inconsolably.
Adding to the tragedy, Rodriguez’ father had asked him not to go out that night, but the boy went out for what would be his last ride anyway.
Speeding cars make the intersection dangerous for children riding their bikes and skateboards, according to people in the neighborhood, who say a simple speed limit sign might have made a difference.
This is the eighth bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the fourth in the County of Los Angeles; it’s also the first in the City of LA. That compares to 25 in the seven-county Southern California region this time last year, and 13 in the county.
As those numbers suggest, this has been one of the safest years in memory for SoCal cyclists so far.
But as this tragedy reminds us, even one death is one too many.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Chris Rodriguez and all his family.
Thanks to LA Streetsblog‘s Joe Linton and Sahra Sulaiman for the heads-up.
