A tragic hit-and-run accident claimed the life of a Long Beach woman on Sunday. Gaylin Reese, aged 76, was riding a tandem bicycle with her husband near 2nd Street and Marina Drive when they encountered heavy traffic.
The tandem bicycle, traveling in the eastbound bike lane on 2nd Street, sideswiped an unknown vehicle and fell over. The vehicle in question left the scene, and it remains unclear whether the driver was aware of the collision.
Despite wearing helmets, Reese sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a local hospital, where she later died. Her husband received treatment for minor injuries.
The Long Beach Police Department has yet to identify the vehicle or driver involved in the collision but has stated that speed, distracted driving, and impaired driving are not believed to be factors.
The investigation is ongoing, with police appealing for dash camera footage of the incident. They urge anyone with information to contact Detective Joseph Johnson at 562-570-7355. Anonymous tips can be submitted via Crime Stoppers. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for driver and cyclist awareness to ensure everyone’s safety on the road.