Once again, someone has been killed riding a bicycle in Southern California. And once again, it never made the news.
This time, in Upland.
And this time, the victim was a beloved member of the endurance cycling community.
According to world endurance cycling team BarrUltra, Donna Orange passed away after being struck by a driver while on a training ride.
She is described as a distinguished and groundbreaking psychoanalyst, a world-class cyclist, and an active member of the endurance cycling community, despite being well into her 80s. In fact, she competed in the 6-12-24 Hour World Time Trial Championships (WTTC) in Borrego Springs, California at the beginning of this month.
I’m told Orange was struck when she was traveling east on 16th Street at San Antonio Ave this Tuesday, after a driver headed west on 16th entered the intersection at the same time and left-hooked her while turning onto southbound San Antonio.
Which means there should be no question who was at fault. And it’s not her.
She reportedly died after being taken off life-support at the Pomona Valley Medical Center this weekend.
You can learn more about Orange in the post below.
This is at least the 50th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the fifth that I’m aware of in San Bernardino County.
How many more there are that we haven’t learned about remains an open question.
Correction: I originally misidentified the victim as Barbara Orange rather than Donna. I apologize for the mistake.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Donna Orange and her loved ones.
