A young bicyclist's life was tragically cut short in a Huntington Beach traffic collision early Thursday morning. The Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) reported to the scene at Talbert Avenue west of Bell Circle where a maroon 2016 Kia Sorento and the bicyclist collided at approximately 6:15 AM.

Authorities identified the victim as an 18-year-old male from Huntington Beach. Despite prompt transportation to a local hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Kia, a 26-year-old male from Fullerton, stayed put and cooperated with the investigation. Police have stated that impairment is not believed to be a factor for the driver.

The preliminary probe into the incident, detailed in public records, shows that the Kia was moving westbound on Talbert Avenue in the #2 lane, just past Bell Circle. Concurrently, the bicyclist was in the designated bicycle lane heading in the same direction when the tragic encounter occurred.

This case is under active examination by HBPD's Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT). In a push for more answers, HBPD Traffic Investigator C. Houlston is urging any eyewitnesses to step forward. Those with relevant information can reach out to the investigator at (714) 536-5670 to assist in unfolding the events that ended in fatality.