Maruta Gardner, 69, killed in bicycle collision with alleged hit-and-run driver Jonathan Domingo Garcia, 23, at Jetty Road and Mission Boulevard in Mission Beach, California

Modified Date:

Tue, 03/21/2017 - 10:28am

Accident Date:

Friday, February 12, 2016

Victim Killed in Suspected DUI Hit-and-Run Was 'Heart and Soul' of Mission Beach

A 69-year-old female bicyclist was struck by a car in an apparent hit-and-run in Mission Beach police confirmed. Friends told NBC 7 that at the time of the crash, Gardner was volunteering doing something she often did: painting over graffiti in the Mission Beach community. She’s out on her three-wheeler every day.” Without her, Hornung said a huge hole will be left behind in the Mission Beach community. “You don’t replace someone like Maruta. Moments later, officers stopped the hit-and-run suspect a short distance away from the hit-and-run crash scene. The driver in the Toyota Corolla sped to the right of the Mustang, drove onto the shoulder and hit Gardner.

Woman, Clearing Graffiti, Killed in Mission Beach Hit-and-Run

A former educator and school principal, the victim was identified by many friends and neighbors as Maruta Gardner, who was well-known for making the community a better place.

Residents describe her as a beloved mother who often found ways to give back to Mission Beach, including clearing graffiti from public spaces.

San Diego Activist Painting Over Graffiti Killed by Alleged DUI Driver in Road-Rage Incident: Police

The San Diego City Council had recently honored Gardner by declaring Nov. 3 “Maruta Gardner Day.” Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Councilwoman Lorie Zapf were among many posting condolences on social media.

Deadly Hit-and-Run Suspect Cared More for Car Than Victim: Prosecutor

He showed absolutely no emotion when he's told that her death is imminent. He asks if there's damage to his car,” said Schott. When told again that the victim is about to die, Garcia asked when he could get his car back, according to the prosecutor.

Eleven years behind bars for the man who killed Mission Beach activist

Jonathan Domingo Garcia, 24, is expected to get out of state prison after serving about 5 1/2 years of his sentence. He pleaded guilty in June to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and had faced a maximum term of 15 years.

After a serious or fatal bicycle accident, take these steps to help the recovery process

When someone is seriously injured in a bicycle accident, the first days and weeks are spent getting medical treatment and dealing with the new reality of injuries, pain, lost work, and disruption to normal life. When someone dies in a crash, family members are forced to deal with grief, anger, and loss as they struggle to move forward.

After a serious or fatal bicycle collision, an injured person, or the family left behind, incur damages including the cost of current and future medical expenses, lost work and wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. When the crash is caused by a negligent driver, there may be financial recovery available for the victims.

Go here to learn how to protect the legal rights of bicycle accident victims and their families.

Type: Bicycle Accident

Topics:

Hit and Run

People Involved:

Maruta Gardner

Jonathan Domingo Garcia

Roadway:

Jetty Road and Mission Boulevard

City:

Mission Beach, CA

County:

San Diego County, CA

Area:

San Diego, CA