A man who was involved in a charity bicycle ride in Griffith Park was mourned Monday by event organizers after he was killed by an alleged hit-and-run motorist who was later arrested.
Andrew Jelmert was 77 years old, according to the coroner’s office.
“We are heartbroken to share the news that a cyclist participating in AIDS/LifeCycle’s SoCal Day on the Ride lost their life after being struck by a vehicle yesterday,” organizers of AIDS/LifeCycle posted on Facebook Sunday.
Jelmert was a five-time participant in the event and a member of the team Different Spokes, the organizers said.
“This is a senseless tragedy, and our hearts go out to everyone who is affected,” said Joe Hollendoner, MSW, incoming CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center. “We revere each and every participant on AIDS/LifeCycle, who dedicate their time, energy, passion, and power to lift up a cause close to their hearts. We mourn with our community.”
The crash occurred at 3:49 p.m. Saturday at 4400 Crystal Springs Drive, said Lt. M. McCommas of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Traffic Division.
Jelmert was riding his bicycle northbound when he was struck by a vehicle that was also northbound, McCommas said.
The cyclist fell onto the roadway where he suffered blunt force trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene, the lieutenant said.
The suspect, a man in his 30s, left the vehicle and ran from the scene but he was found and arrested by park rangers, McCommas said.
The driver may have been impaired by drugs and/or alcohol, he said. Police are continuing to investigate.