Orange County Cyclist Dr. Michael John Mammone
Tragically Killed in Dana Point After
He Was Struck By a Car then Stabbed By Driver
On Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Michael John Mammone, who is a doctor at Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach, was enjoying a nice bike ride heading North on PCH in Dana Point, CA when the unthinkable happened. While Dr. Mammone was stopped at a red light in the bike lane, a driver identified by the Orange County Sheriff as Vanroy Evan Smith approached the intersection heading North on PCH at a fast speed, where he did not slow down and proceeded to plow his white Lexus into the back of Mammone projecting Mammone across the intersection.
The driver then exited his car and proceeded to stab Mammone instead of helping him. Fortunately, brave bystanders were able to detain him until law enforcement arrived where he was booked into the Orange County Jail on suspicion of murder. It is also being reported that he uttered racial slurs about “White Privilege”.
Dr. Mammome is survived by his wife Julie, who is a nurse, and two sons.
Our condolences go out to Dr. Mammone’s family, friends and colleagues.
The Orange County Sheriff report detailed the incident:
At 3:02 p.m. on Feb. 1, 2023, Orange County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Crown Valley Parkway reference a traffic collision and an assault. Upon arrival, deputies found Michael John Mammone, 58, a cyclist, lying in the intersection suffering from severe injuries. Mammone was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Mammone was riding a mountain bike facing northbound on PCH when he was struck from behind by the suspect vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, Vanroy Evan Smith, 39, from Long Beach, exited his vehicle and assaulted Mammone with a knife. When deputies arrived, Smith was being detained by bystanders and was taken into custody. He was later booked into the Orange County Jail on suspicion of murder. A knife believed to be used in the assault was recovered at the scene.
At this time, there is no known connection between the suspect and the victim. Investigators will work to determine what led to this incident. This incident is being investigated by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Detail. If you have any information related to this crime, please contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-288-6740. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
Photo by KTLA
