Grass Valley, CA – Israel “Jeremiah” Ortega, a seventh-grade student at Lyman Gilmore Middle School in the Grass Valley School District, has lost his life due to wounds suffered from being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle on the evening of Wednesday, May 13, 2026, according to KCRA.
The Grass Valley Police Department reports that the accident took place around 6:40 PM in the 600 block of Whiting Street.
Authorities said Ortega sustained major injuries in the collision and was airlifted to a Sacramento Valley trauma center in critical condition.
The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Neither alcohol nor drugs is believed to have been a factor in the crash.
Ortega died from his injuries on May 22.
The Grass Valley School District announced Ortega’s death and extended condolences to his family, friends, classmates, and school staff. Grief counseling services were made available at Lyman Gilmore Middle School for students and staff in the wake of his passing.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Bicycle Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a duty of care towards bicyclists, which includes being vigilant for those travelling by bicycle and, if a collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a bicycle accident, filing a wrongful death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
California Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California bicycle accident lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
