Sadly, we now have confirmation of the bad news we mentioned yesterday.
According to the LA Daily News, two people were struck by the driver of an SUV while riding their bikes in LA’s Valley Glen neighborhood Sunday evening.
One victim, identified only as a woman, died at the scene. Her riding companion, who I’m told was a man, was hospitalized with what was described only as a non-life threatening injury.
The collision occurred around 7:50 pm Sunday as they were riding on Coldwater Canyon just north of Victory Boulevard.
The 35-year old driver remained at the scene; she was not arrested.
There’s no official word on how the crash happened. However, I’m told the victim was run over by the SUV, while the other rider was knocked to the curb.
Unfortunately, that’s a common problem with SUVs. The high, flat grills tend to push bike riders and pedestrians under the vehicle in a crash, as opposed to the lower, sloped grills on most cars, which usually push victims onto the hood and windshield.
This is at least the 50th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 13th that I’m aware of in Los Angeles County.
Update: A ghost bike was installed for the victim on Wednesday, October 14th. I’m told she was named Ana, from Sun Valley, and the mother of four young children aged six months to 12 years.
All of whom will now have to now up without her.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Ana and her loved ones.
Thanks to Steve for the heads-up.
