Two Cyclists Killed By Truck's Lumber Load In California

Screenshot: Fox 8

Two cyclists died near Napa, California, Tuesday by a lumber truck when its load suddenly shifted of the picturesque roadway.

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Authorities say the victims, identified as Christian and Michelle Deaton, were legally riding north on the valley’s winding, two-lane Silverado Trail when they encountered a flatbed truck headed in the opposite direction. Somehow, the lumber it was carrying shifted and fell, hitting the cyclists, Fox 8 reports.

Exactly what caused the load to hit the Deatons when it did is still being investigated, but Christian was declared dead at the scene. Michelle, meanwhile, was taken to a nearby hospital where she later died from her injuries. According to the sheriff’s office, they were visiting the Napa Valley from Portland, Oregon. And to his credit, the truck driver stayed at the scene and reportedly cooperated with authorities who are still investigating what caused the load to shift and hit the cyclists.

Following the crash, the Napa County Bicycle Coalition released a statement released a statement:

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Michelle and Christian Deaton, two bicyclists who were visiting from Portland, Oregon, and were killed yesterday while riding on Silverado Trail. This enormous, preventable loss is sitting heavy in our hearts and minds, as we know it is for those who ride locally and work towards safer streets. Living here, riding here, and visiting here should be safe for all road users, and we are incredibly saddened that the Deatons were not kept safe.

With access to a large number of Napa’s vineyards, the Silverado Trail is a popular alternative to California’s State Highway 29 and connects Napa with Calistoga. And while it is a two-lane paved road, it’s not like cyclists are a rare sight. One cyclist interviewed by Fox 8 said he rides that road nearly every day, and even California’s tourism site recommends that visitors rent bikes when they visit.