A teenage San Diego boy has died as a result of a fall onto train tracks in the Encanto neighborhood this afternoon
According to KFMB CBS-8, the 14-year old, who has not been publicly identified, was riding down a steep hill at a high rate of speed when he hit a fence at 2:30 pm and was launched into the air, landing on the trolley tracks that run parallel to Imperial Avenue at 60th Street. He was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering massive head trauma.
He was not wearing a helmet. And yes, in this case, it matters.
The only hill visible in a street view is to the north on 60th, suggesting he was descending southbound and jumped the curb, striking the fence blocking access to the tracks.
Under California law, anyone under the age of 18 is required to wear a helmet while riding a bike. And solo falls like this are exactly what bike helmets are designed to protect against, though it’s possible that his speed may have exceeded the design limitations for a helmet.
KSWB Fox-5 suggests he landed in a way that a helmet may not have been much benefit.
This is the 16th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the third in San Diego County; it’s also the second in the City of San Diego.
Update: The victim has been identified as Jose Guadalupe Hernandez Dominguez of San Diego.
However, the location has been changed to Imperial Ave and 61st Street, suggesting that he was riding down the hill from the north side of Imperial, not the south.
Multiple news reports indicate he was riding with a friend when he struck the curb and crashed through the guard rail, going airborne and landing hard on the tracks.
In a report unconfirmed by any other source, KGTV ABC10 says he and his companion were fleeing from a robbery attempt as they sped down the hill.
The poorly written story alternately gives his age as 13 and 14, though, and says the two boys were riding along the trolly right-of-way, which is impossible since it runs along Imperial, rather than on 61st, and there is no significant hill in either direction on Imperial.
Update 2: CBS8 is confirming that Dominguez and his friend may have been fleeing from a group of men who robbed them.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Jose Guadalupe Hernandez Dominguez and all his family and loved ones.
