Update 6:20 p.m. According to the Berkeley Police Department, Tyler De Martini died today at 4:10 p.m.
Berkeley police have determined that De Martini was in the wrong in the collision with a Prius at 7:05 pm on Monday. De Martini was skateboarding in the street in violation of the California Vehicle Code, which requires skateboarders to use sidewalks if they are available. The CVC reads: “No pedestrian may walk upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district otherwise than close to his or her left-hand edge of the roadway.”
Original story: The 18-year old skateboarder who was hit by a car Monday evening while traveling on Marin Avenue is still in grave condition, according to Berkeley police.
The youth, who lived in Berkeley but attended El Cerrito High School, was hit by a 54-year old man driving a Prius around 7:05 pm on Jan. 30. The driver was heading eastbound on Marin negotiating a left hand/northbound turn onto Tulare when the two collided, according to Berkeley police. There was no alcohol involved in the collision and the driver was not charged.
The youth was not wearing a helmet. Since he is an adult, he was not legally required to. Berkeley police are not releasing his name for confidentiality reasons, although local media and social networks have identified him as Tyler De Martini.
The intersection where the youth was struck was decorated Tuesday with notes and candles from friends. “We (heart) Tyler,” read one sign.
“Dear Tyler. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. This should not have happened to you,” said another sign attached to a stop sign.
Another sign asks drivers to slow down.
Here is a spreadsheet of fatal pedestrian-auto collisions since 1984 prepared by BPD.
Related:
Teenage skateboarder seriously injured by car [01.31.12]
