Then there were three.
Just 10 days into the new year, Southern California has already suffered three cycling fatalities, continuing the bloody pace from last year, when at least 88 riders lost their lives on SoCal streets.
The latest came last night, as a 16-year old bike rider was killed while riding with a friend in Desert Hot Springs.
According to The Desert Sun, Reuben Guzman was sharing a single bike with another boy when they were hit by a Nissan pickup at 5:35 pm at the intersection of West Drive and Desert View Ave. One boy was pedaling the bike north on West Drive while the other rode on the handlebars; no word on whether Guzman was on the seat or the handlebars, or whether the other rider was injured.
The boys reportedly veered into the traffic lane where they were struck from behind by the truck; the driver fled the scene, leaving the victims bleeding in the street.
Guzman died at 11:05 pm at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.
Police are looking for a blue or gray Nissan pickup with major front end damage.
This is the third bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the second in Riverside County already this year; there were 11 bicycling deaths in the county last year.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Desert Hot Springs Police Department at 760/329-2904.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Reuben Guzman and all his loved ones.
Update: According to KESQ.com, Guzman was pedaling the bike while his friend rode on the handlebars on their way to a local bike park. The other victim has been released from the hospital.
