The elderly cyclist was hit near Pleasant Street and Atlantic Avenue, officials say
LONG BEACH, CA, (January 20, 2025) - A driver fatally struck a bicyclist Monday around 12:15 p.m. in Long Beach and then fled the scene, police said. Officials identified the bicycle rider as Enrique Barajas.
Enrique Barajas, 80, was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver while riding a bicycle in Long Beach Monday afternoon, according to a news release.
The tragedy unfolded near the intersection of Pleasant Street and Atlantic Avenue, authorities confirmed.
A preliminary investigation found that Barajas was pedaling northbound on Atlantic, and just as he attempted to merge from the bike lane into the number one lane, a white SUV heading in the same direction hit him. The impact knocked the 80-year-old cyclist off his bike, leading to his death the next day, according to a news release.
The suspect drove away from the scene, police said. Anyone with information about the incident can call Detective Johnson at 562-570-7355.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Despite every warning, every memorial, every death, too many drivers keep going, knowing they’ve hit someone.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), hit-and-run deaths in the U.S. have increased an average of 7.2% each year since 2009.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney and a Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Enrique Barajas may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident such as this incident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a hit-and-run driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).