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Driver Reportedly Did Not See Victim
SANTA BARBARA, CA – 9/6/2006 – 9/6/06. A 12-year-old boy is clinging to life after being struck from behind while riding his bicycle to school. The accident occurred at 4200 Calle Real, near the intersection of Hwy 154. Jake Boysel, who is a 7th grade student at La Colina Junior High school was riding eastbound on Calle Real. He rode a Trek mountain bicycle, and was wearing a helmet and a school backpack. Meanwhile, Ernesto Botello, age 24, left his residence to go to work. He drove eastbound on Calle Real in his black Ford Expedition. Approximately 300 feet prior to Hwy 154, Botello rear ended the bicyclist. The speed limit at the accident scene is 40 mph. The impact occurred while Boysel was riding in or very near the marked bicycle lane. The impact literally broke the bicycle frame in half. Bicycle pieces were scattered in a 100 foot radius. Boysel’s backpack became lodged in the Expedition’s grill. The initial impact dislodged Boysel’s helmet and knocked him out of his backpack. He was thrown headfirst to the pavement without his protective helmet. He was admitted to Cottage Hospital in extremely critical condition. He suffered major injuries to his head and internal organs. His parents have been at his bedside, as has the principal of La Colina Junior High. Botello stopped at the scene and has cooperated with the investigation. There were no visible signs that he was driving while impaired. He volunteered a blood sample to prove this fact. A witness provided valuable information for the investigation. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation. Reportedly, Botello did not see Boysel prior to impact. The accident scene (Calle Real between Hwy 154 and El Sueno Road) will be closed tomorrow between 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. to conduct a reenactment of the accident. A police officer will drive Botello’s vehicle to determine the visibility and extent of sun glare present at the precise moment the collision occurred.
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