A tragic incident in Apple Valley on Tuesday evening left a 66-year-old bicyclist dead after a collision with a pickup truck. The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department released a report detailing the crash that took place on December 19, 2023, at about 5:48 PM, at the intersection of Navajo Road and Ottawa Road.
According to the official report, Gerald Duncan, the Apple Valley resident, was riding his bicycle when struck by a white 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. He was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene. Wearing dark clothing, Duncan was crossing Navajo Road when the southbound truck hit him.
The driver of the Chevrolet, identified as 31-year-old Richard Ortiz, also from Apple Valley, was unharmed in the crash. Ortiz reportedly cooperated with authorities who arrived at the scene, which included deputies from the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station and rescue personnel from the Apple Valley Fire Protection District and American Medical Response.
As deputies scoured the scene for evidence, the stretch of Navajo Road between Powhatan Road and Osage Road was closed for about five hours. The serious nature of the crash prompted the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Major Accident Investigative Team to be called in. Witnesses remained at the crash scene, interviewed by the deputies, which helped in putting the pieces together following the unfortunate event.
Law enforcement is encouraging anyone who might have information regarding the crash or anyone who witnessed it to come forward. Deputies G. Dominguez and T. Arlotti can be contacted at the Apple Valley Sheriff’s station, or tips can be submitted anonymously through the We-Tip Hotline or its website.
