It’s happened again.
A bike rider in Riverside has been killed in a collision with a driver suspected of being under the influence of prescription drugs.
According to the Press-Enterprise, a cyclist was riding west on California Avenue at Van Buren Blvd when he was hit by a 2014 Nissan Versa headed north on Van Buren around 5:40 this morning.
The victim was pronounced dead at a local hospital. He has been identified only as a 61-year old Riverside resident pending notification of next of kin.
The collision is still under investigation; however, the 52-year old driver was arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence.
Anyone with information is urged to call Riverside Det. Ken Madsen at 951/826-8723.
This is the 74 bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 12th in Riverside County this year; that compares with 12 in the county for all of last year. It’s also the fourth bicycling death in the city of Riverside since the first of the year.
Update: The Press-Enterprise has identified the victim as Riverside resident Ronald Williams.
Update 2: According to the Press-Enterprise, 52-year old Gail Wilkins of Jurupa Valley was cited for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter and released, after originally being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of prescription drugs.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Ronald Williams and his loved ones.
Thanks to Mark Friis and Carlos Morales for the link.
