It’s probably happened to most of us at one time of another.
You catch a wheel in a rut, and fight to stay upright. Or go down, and walk away with road rash or a broken bone or two.
But you don’t die.
Yet that’s what happened yesterday, when a well-loved member of the LA riding community lost his life after hitting a rut on the popular, pro-level Montrose ride.
From what I’ve been told, Virgo Datu was riding with the group when his wheel caught a rut, then hit a curb and a light post. He was hospitalized with internal injuries, including a collapsed lung, and broken ribs that apparently punctured the other, and died this morning.
A Facebook post, which I can’t seem to embed or link to, mentions Datu’s family and fiancé, as well as numerous friends. I’m also told he was a very skilled and experienced bicyclist.
He’s clearly someone who will be very missed.
This is at least the 20th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 6th that I’m aware of in Los Angeles County.
This is a developing story, so please contact me with any additional information or corrections.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Virgo Datu and all his family and loved ones.
Thanks to Zachary, Gary and Brett for their help putting this story together.
