Yorba Linda Man Killed, Girl Injured in 2 Bicycle Accidents

A man was killed and a young girl critically injured Friday in separate bicycle accidents, authorities said.

In the first accident, 51-year-old Robert Graham, out for an early morning ride, was killed when he was hit by a pickup truck in Yorba Linda, Brea Police Lt. Tom Christian said.

Graham, a Yorba Linda resident, was taken by ambulance to Placentia Linda Hospital, where he was pronounced dead of massive chest injuries sustained in the 5:45 a.m. accident at the corner of Weir Canyon and New River roads, police said.

The driver of the truck, a Whittier man, was released after questioning and was not cited, authorities said.

The accident occurred, according to witnesses, when Graham turned left in front of the truck. An investigation is continuing.

In the second accident, which occurred at 12:10 p.m., 11-year-old Melanie Stutz of Huntington Beach was struck from behind after she made a right turn from Palm Avenue into the northbound lanes of Golden West Avenue, Huntington Beach Police Sgt. Tris Swan said. The girl reportedly swerved out of the bike lane and into the path of traffic, according to a police report.

Melanie was thrown from her bike and suffered major head injuries. She was taken to Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center, where she was in reported in critical condition Friday night.

The motorist, a 42-year-old man from Orange, was not held or cited, Swan said.