4-Year-Old Girl Was Killed When San Diego Trolley Hits Her While On Bicycle

I am sad to report that a four (4) year old girl was killed on Sunday, July 26, 2009, when a San Diego Trolley hit her while she was riding her bicycle. She was about to start her first school year of kindergarten. Ms. Veronica Ramirez was hit by the trolley while she rode in a child seat on a bicycle being pedaled by her father Sunday evening. The tragic accident occurred at about 6:30 pm in the Westbound lanes of L Street at a San Diego Trolley crossing not too far from Industrial Boulevard according to Chula Vista police.

Witnesses told the Chula Vista police department the father entered the intersection after the automatic warning arms had been lowered. The operator of the Trolley had little time to react and apply the brakes; the Northbound trolley apparently struck the bicycle at approximately 45 mph; the force of the impact sent both father and daughter about 40 feet down the length of the tracks. The accident is under investigation by the Metropolitan Transit System and the police. Any finding will be turned over to the Chula Vista District Attorneys Office which may consider charges against the father for child endangerment.

The police said Veronica was not wearing a helmet, and she unfortunately passed away at Rady Children’s Hospital in Kearny Mesa. The father, 34 year-old Gregorio Ramirez declined to comment and was treated for a broken hip. Mr. Rob Schupp, a spokesperson for the San Diego Trolley, expressed his sorrow for the tragic death and reminded everyone that people MUST stop at railroad crossings when the safety arms are lowered; he further commented the Trolley operator sounded his horn, but could not stop the Trolley in time to prevent this tragic accident. My thoughts go out to the family of the little girl.