Married couple Christian (52) and Michelle Deaton (48) were cycling through Napa in California when the unthinkable happened.
They were both hit by timber sliding off the bed of a passing lorry.
The incident took place on the Silverado Trail scenic route on the outskirts of Napa on Tuesday, October 17 around 11:00 am. The road winds through the district’s many vineyards.
Do not exceed the speed limit
Christian died on the spot, while his wife Michelle was transported to a nearby hospital where she later died, says police spokesperson Henry Woffard to Oregon Live.
Lokalavisa further writes that the lorry driver stopped and stayed at the scene until the emergency services arrived. Several passers-by also stopped to help.
ENJOYED THE OUTDOORS: The couple loved hiking, biking, kayaking, vinyl records, dancing and singing. Photo: Handout Show more
It is not yet known if the truck driver faces charges. According to a statement from the California State Police, the truck was traveling at 40 miles per hour – equivalent to 64 kilometers per hour.
The speed limit on the stretch shall be 55 miles per hour.
– A perfect couple
Both Christian and Michelle were employees of Nike and worked at the headquarters in Beaverton.
– They had so much love for each other. Living was their hobby. They wanted to make the most of every moment, says a friend of the couple, Chloee Thompson, to the newspaper.
The couple had been married for 21 years when the fatal incident happened.
“To see two people lose their lives in this way is truly tragic and disturbing,” says Kara Vernor, executive director of the safety organization Napa County Bicycle Coalition.
Furthermore, Vernor says that several cyclists fear the stretch because of motorists who either drive too fast, or drivers who have visited vineyards and drive under the influence.
Revealed her husband’s lie: Was killed
She also explains that the road has a separate cycle lane marked with a white stripe.
Chloee Thompson, friend of the couple, wants to conclude by asking friends and loved ones to remember the couple as they lived – not how they died.
– They weren’t perfect, and always strived to be better – but they were really damn close to perfection, she says.
2023-10-23 16:00:50
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