The collision happened around 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, on Avenue J at Valley Central Way, according to a news release from the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station.
The biker was riding a 2013 Suzuki motorcycle westbound on Avenue J, while Lonny Quintana of Lancaster was in a 2012 Honda CRV waiting to make a left turn from eastbound Avenue J onto northbound Valley Central Way. Quintana turned into the path of the motorcycle and both vehicles collided, according to the news release.
“The light color is in question, as witnesses put it at all three colors at the time of the collision,” the sheriff’s news release states.
“Impairment is not a factor in this collision, but speed appears to be at least a contributing factor for the motorcyclist,” the sheriff’s news release states.
The motorcyclist was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital where he was pronounced dead. His name has not yet been released pending next of kin notification, but he was 45 years old, according to the sheriff’s news release. Authorities told City News Service that the motorcyclist was a corrections officer believed to be heading to work at the Lancaster State Prison.
Anyone with witness information regarding this collision is encouraged to contact traffic investigators at the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station at 661-948-8466.
UPDATE: The deceased has been identified as 45-year-old George Luis Rodriguez of Fontana, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.
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Natalie says
George was an amazing person i know that because he was dating my mom for 3 years they broke up a month before he died it was hard losing him he was a great person and he was always there for me and my mom i miss him a lot and i would trade anything to see him again Rest In Peace </3 :(
Matt says
I rode a crotch rocket as a kid. I would never gun it through a yellow. I get u never should, but in a car, u most likely live, on a bike, u most likely die. Never chance it. I sure hope it’s not what he did. U must always be defensive on a bike. U never know when someone might not see u.
frank eugene says
We all guess what speed the motorcyclist was traveling ,, just a guess,, nothing more. California code states that a lighted signal intersection must be clear and safe before a left turn can be attempted..Doesn’t matter if signal is green,yellow or red. Honda driver will be held responsible and liable for all damages and death…
Alby says
Maybe the off duty officer should have followed the posted speed limit although he probably wouldn’t have gotten a ticket if he was pulled over anyways. That area is where people go to shop for necessities and/or dine at. Its not a NASCAR track. The driver of the van could have seen plenty of time to make a left turn and unfortunately underestimated how fast the motorcycle was flying. Its sad and unfortunate where hypocracy and a misplaced sense of entitlement can land you… All over the asphalt and all over the news. Shouldn’t cops hold eachother accountable and fine eachother for violating street rules while off duty?shouldnt speeders be taken just as seriously as dui offenders? Sad situation.
Alexis says
The motorcycle is shredded, and the Honda has significant damage. Speed is definitely a factor.
Alby says
Along with a sense of self entitlement and hypocracy. Maybe officers (off or on duty) should practice what they preach as they empty our back pockets and Slow Down.
Vic Conklin says
I have been riding for more than 50 years and al-tho this is a sad event that this CO lost his life. the Honda was not moving very fast in the throws of a left turn from a light, therefore 90% the damage seen to the front-end of the Honda must have been caused by the speed of the motorcycle. please remember that the driver of the SUV will live with the rest of his life and cope with the lost of another he was a part of. Pray for both side in this tragic event.
Alexis says
Vic Conklin: Thank you.
Crazy says
Condolences to the motorcycle rider and family most of these people in Palmdale to drive cars are too ignorant to pay attention to anything look at the crashes in Palmdale in the last year since Jerry Brown gave these idiots a driver’s license half didn’t even have to take a driving test
Nini says
How did you get your facts ? Let me guess your just talking out of your a$$ yup that’s what it is .
Suicycle says
Riding a motorcycle on the streets today is Russian Roulette.
Ignorant drivers says
I’m going to say it cuz I don’t care racist or not Jerry Brown gave these idiots a driver’s license now take them away
The people Jerry Brown gave a driver's license to to be removed from the road and their license is revoked says
The guy last week rolled his car over killed his friends and took off another Jerry Brown driver’s license idiot
Crossroads says
My condolences to the family I’m a rider myself and people are just so distracted and not paying attention to the road or surroundings…