Sadly, another bike rider has died days after she was injured, in a case that hasn’t made the news.
According to the Orange County Coroner’s office, 36-year old Monterey Park resident Yeny Vergara was injured when she came off her bike around midnight last Wednesday, at 35 Crystal Cove in Newport Coast.
She died just after noon on Saturday; no cause of death is given.
A satellite view of the location shows a narrow roadway turning to a dirt road as it leads to the beach. However, it’s possible that she was riding on PCH or bike path next to it, and the coroner simply gave the closest street address.
Unfortunately, no other information is available at this time.
The age and city of residence match a 36-year old master’s racer who has competed in several Southern California races this year. However, that is unconfirmed at this time, so let’s keep our fingers crossed.
This is the 39th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the eighth in Orange County.
Update: A response from the Newport Beach Police Department indicates her fall occurred on state property on the trails deep within the Crystal Cove State Park near the 73 Freeway. The NB Fire Department responded to the call as the closest agency; police never responded since it was reported as strictly a medical call.
No word on whether she fell, had a medical issue, or collided with another rider, although the latter would seem unlikely if her injury occurred at the late night hour indicated by the coroner.
Update 2: The Orange County Register reports that Vergara was apparently injured in a fall while riding on the Elevator Trail around 3:45 pm on the 22nd, rather than midnight as the coroner’s report listed.
She was found lying unconscious on the trail, suffering from an obvious head wound despite wearing a helmet.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Yeny Vergara and all her family.
Thanks to Bill Sellin and Lois for the heads-up.
