The recent carnage on Southern California streets continued with the death of a bike-riding boy in San Jacinto late Wednesday morning.
According to KCBS-2, the victim, who has not been publicly identified, was struck by the driver of a massive pickup around 11:30 am in the 400 block of Bryce Canyon Way.
The boy died at the scene before first responders could arrive.
The driver of the westbound Dodge Ram 3500 heavy duty pickup, which was hauling a utility trailer, remained at the scene. He was not suspected of being under the influence.
The design of truck, with its high clearance and flat grill — let alone sheer size — almost ensure any crash will be unsurvivable for a child. It’s entirely possible the driver couldn’t even see the boy over the hood of the truck.
A street view shows Bryce Canyon is a quiet residential cul-de-sac, where it should have been safe for a kid to ride a bicycle.
But wasn’t.
Anyone with information is urged to call the sheriff’s San Jacinto station at 951/654-2702.
This is at least the third bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the first that I’m aware of in Riverside County.
He is also the eighth SoCal bike rider killed in the past three weeks, and the third in the past two days.
Update: The victim has been identified as seven-year old Johan Orozco. However, there’s still no word on how and why the crash happened.
My deepest sympathy and prayers forJohan Orozco and all his friends and family.
