A man was killed riding a bicycle in Laguna Hills Friday morning.
And that’s almost all we know right now.
The victim, who has not been publicly identified, was struck by a driver near Paseo De Valencia and Alicia Parkway around 10 am.
There’s no word on how the crash occurred, or whether the victim died at the scene or was transported to a hospital.
The driver apparently stopped after the crash, and was questioned by the police.
Unfortunately, that’s all we know at this time.
This is at least the 64th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 15th that I’m aware of in Orange County. That’s more than the county saw for the entire year in 2019 and 2021, and one less than 2020.
And it’s only September.
Update: Bill Sellin forwards a post from the Bicycle Club of Irvine, which identified the victim as 72-year old BCI member Jeff Rosenthal.
Rosenthal was reportedly approaching Alicia Parkway in the westbound bike lane on Paseo de Valencia when he was rear-ended by a motorist, who has not been publicly identified.
He leaves behind his wife of 41 years, as well as an adult son and daughter and their children.
I also received the following email from Ed Rubinstein, Orange County bike lawyer and a longtime friend of this site.
Thank you for your reporting, but I cannot let the rider who was killed remain anonymous. He was my best friend.
I do not have any information on how or why the crash happened, but I do know the wonderful human being whose life was snuffed out too soon. His name was Jeff Rosenthal. He was 72 years old, retired, and he had just celebrated his 41st anniversary with his wife Barbara. Jeff, like me, originally was from Long Island, NY. He was an experienced cyclist who used to ride over 7000 miles per year until he reduced the frequency of his rides slightly as he recently got back into surfing. He rode with the Bicycle Club of Irvine where we met about 10 years ago. He was my best friend, the witness at my wedding and we rode together no less than weekly. Jeff had a quick wit and was always smiling. He was the friend you could always count on to help, but he never wanted to bother others. He was out riding Friday morning. He butt dialed me that morning. He told me he had a flat. and I offered to pick him up as it was hot outside. He said he was almost home, and would call me if he needed any help. I wish he had accepted my offer. I now suspect I was the last person with whom he talked to that day. I am gutted and the world has lost someone precious.
Jeff (right without glasses) and myself in 2019 after riding a self-supported century
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Jeff Rosenthal and all his family loved ones.
Thanks to Bill Sellin and Ed Rubinstein for their help.
