An online fundraiser has been created for the bicyclist who was killed in a collision with a vehicle on State Street this week.
“With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved Joel. As we come together to celebrate his life and say our goodbyes, we are also raising funds to help cover memorial expenses and support the family during this difficult time,” the fundraiser states. “Any contribution, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support.”
A memorial has been created with flowers, photos, and candles near the scene of the crash to honor the life of Joel Gonzalez, reports John Palminteri.
On Sunday, May 18, Gonzalez was traveling in the 1900 block of State Street, between Mission and Pedregosa Streets, when a collision occurred between the cyclist and a black SUV.
Emergency responders attempted life saving measure but were unable to revive Gonzalez who was pronounced dead at the scene.
A tribute was posted on Instagram to Gonzalez by his employer, Santo Mezcal, where he worked as a manager.
“Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to a beloved member of the Santo Mezcal family. Joel’s kindness, warmth, and joyful spirit touched everyone. He was the kind of person who lit up every room- always kind, always smiling, with love for his craft and hospitality. His presence at Santo Mezcal brought joy not just to our team, but to every guest who had the pleasure of meeting him,” the post stated.
The restaurant group went on to state that Gonzalez leaves behind a young daughter and a family.
The Santa Barbara Police Department stated the initial investigation revealed that 36-year-old Santa Barbara resident Christina Almada, the driver of the black SUV, was traveling southbound on State Street when the bicyclist may have veered or turned in front of her vehicle.
During their investigation, investigators noticed that Almada was displaying symptoms of alcohol intoxication. A DUI investigation ensued, and Almada was subsequently arrested for DUI.
Almada was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail for Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated, Driving Under the Influence Causing Injury, and Driving Without a License. Almada’s bail was set at $100,000.
Donations can be made here.
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https://www.edhat.com/news/santa-barbara-woman-arrested-for-dui-following-fatal-traffic-collision-involving-bicyclist/
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Thank you, ed for posting this!
How many more bikers have to be killed and maimed before the Santa Barbara City Council and the Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors mandate that all bikers must wear bright colored vests or shirts. Any parent who does not make their child wear a bright colored vest or top is a moron just waiting to mourn their child or raise a paraplegic!
Flashing strobe lights, front and rear, should also be required on bikes as car traffic increases and more people are distracted drivers. It will get worse!
All of the E-bikes that I have ever seen automatically come with very bright front lights and taillights.
In case you didn’t read the article, it was a grown man who was hit by an DUI driver. When do the irresponsible drivers that are all over Santa Barbara take responsibility for their 2000 pound car? All bikes legally have to have a working light front and back if it’s dusk or later
Would like to see all impaired drivers have their car impounded on the first screw up. We have such lax laws there’s no incentive to care
I guess we will never know but I wonder if he swerved to avoid her and instead got hit
Perhaps this tragedy can bring about some type of positive response regarding both not taking impaired driving seriously and how to best control the e-bike riders who ride electric motorcycles around without regard to laws or safety.