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Australian Tourist Killed By Alleged Drunk Driver While Biking Near PCH
An Australian man visiting Los Angeles was identified as the biker fatally struck by a car near the PCH over the weekend.James Rapley, 29, was riding a rented bicycle eastbound on Temescal Canyon Road near PCH when he was hit from behind by a 1980 Mercedes that drifted into the bike lane at 9:15 a.m. on Dec. 22, reported the Santa Monica Mirror. He was rushed to the UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, where he died, according to PacificPalisades Patch.
The driver was 19-year-old Santa Monica resident Mohammed Kadri, who had stayed on the scene after the tragic crash. The Age and Herald Sun reported that Kadri allegedly was driving under the influence that morning.
Rapley's father John Rapley told 9News that his son, who was working as a software developer in Chicago, had made a stop in Los Angeles a day before heading home to Melbourne for Christmas because he was worried if he stayed in Chicago, his flight could be delayed due to the poor weather conditions.
After Kadri struck Rapley with his car, he was arrested that morning and then later released on $50,000 bail, according to the Santa Monica Mirror. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 16, 2014.
"He was the sort of kid everyone hopes to have as a son," John Rapley told The Age. "I just really want to get the message out that drink driving can affect you anywhere and it's so stupid."
This is the 84th biking fatality in Southern California this year, according to BikinginLA.
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Fatal Bike Vs. Car Crash Reported on PCH
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