This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
17-Year-Old Cyclist Killed In Crash With LADWP Truck
A 17-year-old riding his bicycle in Granada Hills was killed when he was struck by a Los Angeles Department of Water and Power truck Wednesday afternoon.
Philomene Ragni, a high school senior at John F. Kennedy High School, was struck by the truck around 3:15 p.m. and he was pronounced dead at the scene at the 16200 block of San Fernando Mission Boulevard, according to City News Service.
Police are calling it "an unfortunate traffic accident." They told ABC 7 that the LADWP truck being driven by an electrical construction worker was driving northbound when a group of bikers, including Ragni, suddenly crossed westbound. The driver stayed at the scene, cooperated with investigators, and there's no indication he was under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. LADWP released a statement about the fatal crash: "LADWP extends heartfelt sympathies to the family and loved ones of the deceased."
Vera Rabadi's son was riding alongside Ragni when he was killed, and she told ABC that she's still in shock: "It could be my son down there. These kids are BMX, they don't have no helmets, no brakes and it scares the hell out of me!"
There's a memorial set up to where the crash happened, and grief counselors will be on site at Ragni's school today.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
