Another Orange County bike rider lost his life on Monday, in what was an exceptionally deadly two days for SoCal bicyclists.
The Orange County Register reports, almost as an aside, that the 52-year old brother of California Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva was killed riding his bike in Buena Park.
The crash occurred at the intersection of Darlington Avenue and Artesia Boulevard when Raymond William Jaso was hit by the driver of a pickup around 6:18 pm.
No other information is available at this time.
Jaso was homeless following a longtime battle with alcoholism; he recently began drinking again after walking away from a county-run treatment program.
It’s not clear if that may have contributed to the crash.
His homelessness, and struggles with alcohol and mental health issues, should do nothing to diminish the tragedy of Jaso’s life or death.
Quirk-Silva writes movingly about the loss of her brother.
Thank you to everyone for the support.
Know someone who’s at risk or struggling ? There are resources for those that seek help. Call 800-364-2221 or visit https://t.co/TBheW4eCjc #WorldMentalHealthDay #Mentalhealth #behavioralhealth @ochealth @WMHDay @NAMIOC @AssemblyDems pic.twitter.com/DNnT25Gazb
— Sharon Quirk-Silva (@QuirkSilvaCA) October 10, 2018
Jaso’s death follows fatal collisions in Oxnard and Sun Valley on Sunday and Monday, as well as a second Orange County death in Stanton on Monday.
This is at least the 40th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the fifth that I’m aware of in Orange County.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Raymond William Jaso and all his loved ones.
