Ruben Hernandez Photo Source: http://www.pressdemocrat.com
Ruben Hernandez
Age 37    Santa Rosa, CA    July 31 2012
Comments: 13

Source: A Modesto-area cyclist was killed in a collision with a pickup shortly after 7 a.m. Tuesday on Fountain Grove Parkway in Santa Rosa, the fifth death of a bicycle rider in the past 10 weeks on Sonoma County roads. The crash occurred on a steep stretch of the parkway at Thomas Lake Harris Drive, where a dark blue pickup heading uphill turned left into the path of the westbound cyclist, Police Sgt. Rich Celli said. Cyclist Ruben Hernandez, 37, was visiting Sonoma County from the Modesto area, Celli said. The driver of the truck was identified as Adam Bigham, 22, of Sebastopol. Hernandez was wearing the shorts and jersey of typical recreational cyclist and was riding a high-end road bike. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers said he was in the right-hand lane and traveling with traffic at a speed that may have been as fast as 40 mph, the speed limit on the lower part of Fountain Grove Parkway almost a mile from Mendocino Avenue. Bingham was heading east in a Chevrolet pickup on the parkway approaching Thomas Lake Harris Drive. “The truck appears to have made a left-hand turn into the path of the cyclist and other traffic,” Celli said. “We are still getting statements from witnesses. There were no skid marks indicating others had to take evasive action.” Celli said the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office is involved in the investigation and will be responsible for determining whether charges will be filed against Bigham. Police closed westbound lanes of the parkway from Alturia Drive to Thomas Lake Harris Drive after the crash. The collision occurred on a stretch of Fountain Grove Parkway where vehicles and cyclists easily can reach the 40-mph speed limit. Updated Source: Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch said Thursday that she will not file criminal charges against a 22-year-old Sebastopol man who was involved in a fatal collision with a bicyclist in July. Adam Bigham was headed to his construction job July 31 when Modesto cyclist Ruben Hernandez struck Bigham's pickup on Fountain Grove Parkway in Santa Rosa. Hernandez, a 37-year-old teacher who was attending a conference in Santa Rosa, died at the scene from the injuries he suffered in the 7 a.m. crash. Bigham had turned left in front of Hernandez heading onto Thomas Lake Harris Drive. Witnesses reported his view of Hernandez may have been blocked by another vehicle, Ravitch said. Hernandez also was reported to be "going a pretty swift speed," she said. Ravitch said there was insufficient evidence to charge Bigham with misdemeanor manslaughter, which carries a penalty of up to a year in county jail.

Collision Data

Crash time: between 6 a.m. and 8:59 a.m.

Closest Intersection: Thomas Lake Harris Dr

Land use: Suburban

Road type: Urban Arterial

Where on the road the collision happened: Intersection

Collision type: Unknown

Driver Data

Vehicle type: Light Trucks (SUVs, pickups)

If truck: Unknown

At crash time driver was: Operating the Vehicle in Careless or Inattentive Manner

Sources

Source: News Report
Type: Newspaper
Pos/Neg: Neutral
Link if Website: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120731/ARTICLES/120739950/1033/news?Title=Cyclist-killed-in-Fountaingrove-collision&tc=ar

Legal Status

Legal status: No charges filed
Against:
Civil Suit filed?:
Settled?:
In favor of:
Type of Charge:

Comments:

  • darlene August 01 2012

    He was my favorite p.e.teacher i will miss him but i am happy he is in heaven

    • Ian Brett Cooper August 01 2012

      Wouldn’t this be a left cross? A left hook would indicate a one-way street or another unusual intersection type. As far as I can tell, this is a standard T-junction.

      • The Escobar & Willis Family August 02 2012

        Ruben Hernandez AKA Coach Hernandez was a very loved P.E. teacher at Rosa Parks Academy in Stockton CA. He was loving to all his students and their families! Rosa Parks will never have another like him! We love you Coach! Our hearts go out to his family!

        • Francis Thompson August 02 2012

          Mr. H was an amazing person. I am to grateful for having the pleasure of working with him at RPA. He was also a great influence in my son’s live. My heart goes out to his family. Rest in Peace Coach!

          • Derek Willis August 02 2012

            You were the coolest P.E. teacher and friend! You will be greatly missed! I will always remember you! RIP COACH HERNANDEZ! And to his family I’m sorry for your loss!

            • Joseph Escobar August 02 2012

              You are my best P.E. teacher! I will miss you so very much! When I can run Kennedy Games I will make you proud! To your family I’m sorry for your loss!

              • Emilysotelo August 02 2012

                We will miss you coach Hernandez wish this never happen every time it was p.e the kids were so happy now it’s going to be a diffent coach and it wouldnt be the same every time a coach will come in it will remind us of you to your family sorry for your loss

                • The Torres Family August 02 2012

                  Ruben Hernandez also known as Coach Hernandez was an amazing person! He helped everyone and anyone he was an awesome person! He was loving and caring to everyone! Coach Hernandez was also an amazing p.e. teacher! He taught many amazing things to all of his students. He will always be in our hearts forever! To the family of Coach Hernandez we are so sorry for your loss! RIP COACH HERNANDEZ!

                  • MsWudel August 03 2012

                    Saying Ruben was amazing just doesn’t do him justice.  He was so much more!  He was a shining star that shone brighter than all the rest!  I hope that with his unfortunate passing we can take what we have learned from him and shine in his honor.  Love and prayers to Liz, GG and family!!  RPA family who are posting… take what you learned from Coach and be the best you can be!

                    • Lillian willis August 03 2012

                      Mr. Hernandez was the best P.E teacher ever ! When I was racing other older students he was always on the side saying Go Lilly Go ! Go Lilly go just cheering me on ! I love you Mr. Hernandez and I’ll keep you and your beautiful family in my prayers ! RIP Mr. Hernandez you will be missed truely

                      • Nelson Sihalath August 03 2012

                        Mr.Hernandez was my favorite p.e teacher I will miss him.

                        • Brianna Hernandez August 03 2012

                          Coach Hernandez was the best p.e teacher ever!! i am so sad that he died because i will never get to see him again.. but he will still be i our hearts forever!  <3

                          • Omar Silva August 13 2012

                            Coach Hernandez we will miss you!!!!! I’ll keep you and your beautiful family in my prayers. Family call me I work in a very good law office, sent me a email.

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