Tragically, thirty cyclists were struck Tuesday night by Theresa Lynn Owens who plowed into the group of riders during the popular Fiesta Island Training Ride. Owens was under the influence and was driving the wrong way. Ten cyclists were injured with several riders requiring hospitalization due to their injuries.
A Fundraiser has been organized for rider, Juan Carlos Vinolo, who remains hospitalized in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, including a broken spine.
The GoFundMe page states, “On the evening of August 12th, 2014 at 6:30 pm, Juan Carlos Vinolo was riding his bike at Fiesta Island Road in San Diego, CA when he and the bike peloton were hit by a 49 year old woman under the influence.
Juan Carlos Vinolo saw the driver approach the peloton and edged off another cyclist out of harm’s way. Juan Carlos Vinolo paid a heavy price for his heroic act. Juan Carlos Vinolo’s life is now in danger at UCSD Hillcrest hospital in San Diego, as result of the accident Juan Carlos Vinolo has two punctured and collapsed lungs,several broken ribs and left clavicle, dislocated left shoulder, loss of one kidney, laceration of the spleen, six broken vertebras resulting in a spinal cord injury. If Juan Carlos Vinolo survives he will be paralyzed from the chest down.”
Donations are being accepted to assist Juan Carlos Vinolo’s mounting medical bills.
Photo courtesy of GoFundMe Page
