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Former OC Police Chief Killed While Biking Canyon Road
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A former police chief and city manager of Westminster has been identified as the victim of a fatal crash in Orange County Friday morning.
James Mitchell Waller, 53, of Mission Viejo was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck from behind while biking on Laguna Beach Road. His companion Kevin Beach, 48, of Fullerton was also hit, and he is in serious condition, according to the Orange County Register (via Laguna Beach Patch).
The crash occurred at 8:48 a.m. just south of the 405 freeway and north of the 73 toll road. A 25-year-old woman from Irvine driving a white 2010 Toyota Corolla hit the cyclists from behind. The CHP said that she was driving 60 miles per hour and for some reason she drifted and hit the cyclists. She stayed at the scene and cooperated, and she is not suspected of driving under the influence. The investigation is ongoing.
Friend told The Register (via CBS Los Angeles) that Waller was an avid cyclist who rode hundreds of miles, raising money for fallen officers.
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