A Las Vegas man has died, three days after a hit-and-run driver left him alone and bleeding on the side of the road.
According to the San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office, a passerby found 34-year old Jonathan Joseph Akahito Lupola lying near his ebike on the 3100 block of Oceanside Blvd in Oceanside, on Saturday, March 15th, suffering from multiple major injuries.
Despite the efforts of first responders and medical personnel, Lupola’s condition continued to decline, and he was disconnected from life support on Tuesday, March 18th, with his wife at his side, and his organs donated.
There’s no description of the suspect vehicle at this time; a crowdfunding page put up by Lupola’s aunt says the driver was doing an estimated 65 mph in a 35 mph zone.
Although you’d think a crash at that speed would have left debris that could identify the vehicle, unless the driver stopped to pick it up.
The crowdfunding campaign has raised a little over $1,400 of the modest $2,000 goal to transport his body and pay funeral expenses. Lupito’s aunt is also donating proceeds from her food truck in Hawaii.
Note: A comment below from a man identifying himself as Lupito’s uncle says the crowdfunding campaign was not authorized by his family. So maybe hold off donating until I learn more.
This was at least the tenth bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the second that I’m aware of in San Diego County.
Lupito was also the third SoCal bike rider killed by a hit-and-run driver since the first of the year.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Jonathan Joseph Akahito Lupola and his loved ones.
