Playa del Rey, California – A 36-year-old pregnant mother was killed Saturday evening after being struck from behind by a vehicle while riding an electric bicycle with her family in Playa del Rey, according to police. The woman, who was seven months pregnant, was riding with her husband and children when the collision occurred on a busy stretch of roadway. Her unborn baby, delivered by doctors following the crash, died the following day, family members confirmed.
Incident Overview
The fatal crash happened around 6:00 p.m. Saturday on Pershing Drive near Manchester Avenue, an area residents say has long posed dangers for cyclists and pedestrians. Police said Regan Cole-Graham, 36, was riding an e-bike with her 3-year-old child seated in a bicycle saddle when she was hit from behind by a southbound Toyota Camry.
The impact threw Cole-Graham onto the roadway, where the vehicle continued forward and struck her again as it rolled over the bicycle. Her toddler remained in the saddle during the initial moments of the crash.
Timeline of Events
According to investigators, the family had been riding together when the Toyota approached from behind. After the collision, emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department transported both the mother and child to a nearby hospital. Cole-Graham was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Hospital staff performed an emergency delivery of her 31-week-old baby, but relatives later shared that the newborn passed away the next day.
Details From Police and Officials
The crash remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department West Traffic Division. Authorities said the driver, an 87-year-old man, stayed at the scene and cooperated with officers.
Police stated that alcohol or drugs are not believed to be factors in the collision. No arrests or charges have been announced as of Monday.
Officials have not released updates on the toddler’s condition but indicated the child is expected to survive.
Witness Accounts
A nearby witness, Yuda Zweda, said she briefly spoke with the driver after the crash.
“The only thing he really said was, ‘Please pray that she survives,’” Zweda recalled.
Other residents described hearing the impact and rushing outside as emergency crews arrived.
Remembering Regan Cole-Graham
Although police initially withheld the victim’s name, family and friends later identified her as Regan Cole-Graham, remembering her as a devoted mother and loving presence in their lives.
“So full of love and light, and she just exuded love in everything she did,” said friend Ashley Saglie. “She was the best mom. She made those babies feel so loved.”
Friends said Cole-Graham was expecting a baby girl in April and was excited to complete her family with her husband and two young sons.
“She was absolutely lovely and a wonderful mom and a wonderful person,” another friend said. “She was so funny. It’s just heartbreaking.”
Road Safety and Community Concerns
Neighbors near Pershing Drive and Manchester Avenue say the intersection is poorly lit and dangerous, particularly in the evenings.
“They put in speed bumps and flashing lights, but I still don’t think people notice,” one resident said.
The family’s attorney noted that all family members were wearing helmets at the time of the crash, emphasizing that additional infrastructure improvements are needed.
“There needs to be better lighting. There needs to be an expanded bike path,” Saglie said.
Local officials, including Councilwoman Traci Park’s office, have been contacted for comment regarding roadway safety but had not responded at the time of publication.
Investigation and Public Safety Information
LAPD West Traffic detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact them at (213) 473-0234. Authorities say community cooperation is critical as they work to determine the exact circumstances leading up to the collision.
Conclusion
The death of Regan Cole-Graham and her unborn child has left a family and community devastated, renewing calls for improved safety measures on Playa del Rey roadways. As investigators continue their work, loved ones are focused on honoring her memory and protecting other families from similar tragedies.
A fundraiser has been established to assist with funeral expenses under the name “Support for Matt and the Kids After Regan’s Tragic Loss.”
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