On September 15, 2012 at approximately 9:45 a.m., the Newport Beach Police Department was notified of a major injury traffic collision involving a vehicle and bicyclist on Newport Coast Drive between Ocean Vista Drive and Vista Ridge Drive.
A preliminary investigation revealed that a female bicyclist was riding northbound on Newport Coast Drive when she was struck from behind by a black pickup truck. The driver of the truck fled the scene without stopping to render aid and continued northbound on Newport Coast Drive.
The suspect vehicle is described as a black full-sized pickup truck, possibly 2001-2004 Toyota Tacoma, with significant damage to the right front area of the vehicle.
The 57 year old female victim, a resident of Irvine, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and has since died from injuries sustained in the accident. The identity of the victim has not been released pending family notification by the Orange County Coroner’s Office.
The investigation of the collision is continuing at this time. The Newport Beach Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the driver of the vehicle. If anyone has any information regarding this collision, please contact Traffic Investigator Eric Little at (949) 644-3746 or email at [email protected].
