That didn’t take long.
The Imperial Valley Press is reporting that a bike rider was killed in an Imperial County crash, just two days into the new year.
According to the paper, a 25-year old Florida man, who has not been publicly identified, died after he was struck by a driver while riding in Imperial County’s Slab City Wednesday night.
A 23-year old woman who was being towed in a cart behind his bike was seriously injured, suffering a partial amputation of her leg, as well as a broken arm and facial cuts.
Her dog, who was apparently in the cart with her, was also killed.
The crash occurred around 7:52 pm Wednesday on Beal Road, near The Range dance club in Slab City.
The victim was apparently riding on the wrong side of the road when his bike was struck head on by a car traveling at 50 mph; there’s no word on whether he had lights on his bike in the desert darkness.
The driver remained at the scene, and was not suspected of being under the influence.
This is the first bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the first I’m aware of in Imperial County in the nearly two years.
Update: I’m told they did have lights on the bike, and were struck when they were cut off by a driver, forcing them onto the wrong side of the road. The victim is reportedly recovering from multiple injuries.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the victims and all their loved ones.
