(Playa del Rey, CA) A pregnant woman riding bicycles with her family was killed Saturday evening, January 31, after being struck by a vehicle in a Pershing Drive collision.
The crash occurred around 6 p.m. at the intersection of Pershing Drive and Manchester Avenue, according to authorities. The woman, identified as Regan Cole-Graham, 36, rode alongside her husband and their two children when a vehicle struck her. Police said the driver involved stopped at the scene as required by law.
Cole-Graham was seven months pregnant with her third child, a girl, at the time of the crash. Emergency responders transported her to a hospital, where doctors delivered the baby. Despite medical efforts, the infant later died in the neonatal intensive care unit at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, according to information shared on a GoFundMe page created for the family.
Authorities stated that neither drugs nor alcohol were suspected as contributing factors in the crash. Investigators did not release details about vehicle speed, traffic signals, or the bicyclist’s exact position in the roadway. That information remained unknown as the investigation continued.
In the days following the crash, a makeshift memorial grew near the intersection where the collision occurred. Friends, neighbors, and community members left flowers and messages in remembrance. As of Tuesday afternoon, more than $173,000 had been raised toward a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses and support Cole-Graham’s husband and children.
Overview on the Pershing Drive Collision
When a fatal crash involves a bicyclist, investigators review traffic safety laws to understand what factors may have contributed, without assigning fault prematurely. These reviews often consider driver attentiveness, cyclist rights, and roadway conditions at the time of the incident.
Because the crash occurred at an intersection, authorities may examine the Bicyclist Safety Law. This law grants bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motorists when using public roadways. Investigators may review whether all parties were operating within those shared expectations at the intersection.
If right-of-way becomes part of the investigation, officials could also look at the Unsafe Lane Change Law. This law requires drivers to ensure a movement can be made with reasonable safety before turning or changing direction. Intersections like Pershing Drive and Manchester Avenue often require heightened caution due to mixed vehicle and bicycle traffic.
Authorities may further consider the Basic Speed Law. This law requires drivers to travel at speeds reasonable for traffic, visibility, and roadway conditions. Even without impairment, speed and reaction time can play a role in a Pershing Drive collision, especially in areas where families and cyclists are present.
What the Family Can Do
If you are supporting this family or facing a similar loss, staying in contact with investigators can help you receive updates and request official police reports when they become available.
You may also consider speaking with a qualified legal professional to better understand your options and available resources. Seeking emotional support through family, friends, or grief counseling can be an important step as you navigate an overwhelming and painful time.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
