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Nov 04, 2024

Sonoma County boy killed in bicycle crash outside Cloverdale - The Press Democrat

The 11-year-old died after crashing Saturday afternoon, investigators said. The crash is considered an accident and no foul play is suspected. Lee la versión en español aquí. Cloverdale residents are

The 11-year-old died after crashing Saturday afternoon, investigators said. The crash is considered an accident and no foul play is suspected.

Lee la versión en español aquí.

Cloverdale residents are mourning an 11-year-old boy who died after crashing on a bicycle over the weekend just outside the city limits.

In a series of social media posts, loved ones and community members identified the child as Cesar Preciado-Garcia, a Washington School student and Cloverdale resident.

They launched a GoFundMe memorial fundraiser and say, “It is a very difficult and hard time for the family, and any help will be greatly appreciated. His family is trying to stay strong as they have two other children, but this is just very heartbreaking, and we are trying to help them in any way possible.”

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday verified the child’s name and the California Highway Patrol gave circumstances of the crash.

It occurred just before 6:30 p.m. Saturday on Aurelia Drive, north of Berti Winery Road 2. It’s in an area east of Highway 101 and the Russian River, which run parallel to each other.

CHP Officer David deRutte said the child fell off a bicycle and his handle bars hit his stomach. He was taken to Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, where he died.

The crash was ruled an accident and no foul play is suspected, deRutte said.

The Cloverdale Unified School District issued a message to community members acknowledging the “heartbreaking news” and said counselors would be available on campus throughout the week.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family, friends and everyone affected by this loss,” the message reads. “We understand that news like this can be difficult and may affect students and staff in different ways.

“In time of loss, it is essential to come together as a community to support one another.”

You can reach Staff Writer Colin Atagi at [email protected]. On Twitter @colin_atagi