80-Year-Old Carpinteria Man Identified as Bicyclist killed in Vehicle Collision

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim of a fatal collision between a bicyclist and a vehicle that occurred on Tuesday morning. The victim has been identified as 80-year-old Steven Kingsley Close from Carpinteria.

The collision took place at 8:44 a.m. on Highway 150/Rincon Road, between Highway 101 and Via Real in Carpinteria. According to the Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Raquel Zick, it appears that the bicyclist made an unsafe lane change in front of the car as they were traveling in the same direction, resulting in the collision. Zick also confirmed that the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash remained at the scene.

Following the incident, the Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into the collision and temporarily closed down the roadway for several hours to gather evidence and conduct interviews.

A Tragic Accident

The loss of Steven Kingsley Close has deeply saddened the community of Carpinteria. Close, an 80-year-old resident of the area, was an avid cyclist known for his love of the outdoors and his passion for biking. Friends and family remember him as a kind-hearted individual who always had a smile on his face and brought joy to those around him.

The accident serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users such as cyclists. It is crucial for both motorists and cyclists to exercise caution and follow traffic laws to prevent such devastating incidents.

Investigation and Road Closure

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision. The closure of the roadway for several hours allowed investigators to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the scene to gain a comprehensive understanding of what transpired.

Law enforcement officials urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. Any details, no matter how small they may seem, could potentially contribute to the resolution of the case.

Promoting Road Safety

This tragic incident highlights the need for continuous efforts to improve road safety in Carpinteria and surrounding areas. Local authorities, community organizations, and residents must work together to create awareness campaigns, enforce traffic regulations, and implement infrastructure improvements that prioritize the safety of all road users.

By fostering a culture of respect and responsibility on the roads, we can help prevent future accidents and protect the lives of cyclists and pedestrians.