PORT HUENEME : Bicyclist Dies 2 Weeks After Being Hit by Car

A 26-year-old Port Hueneme man who was struck by a car while bicycling more than two weeks ago died Wednesday morning from his injuries, authorities said.

Walter Tupper died at 5:55 a.m. Wednesday at St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo, where he had lingered in the intensive-care unit since his accident May 17, authorities said.

Martha Lane, 54, of Newbury Park was cited for being at fault in the accident, but CHP Officer Dave Wigton, who investigated the accident, did not request prosecution at the time, authorities said. On Wednesday, authorities said they were uncertain whether the death would change Wigton’s decision not to seek prosecution.

Wigton could not be reached for comment, but he said in an earlier interview that the accident was difficult to investigate because no independent witnesses were available.

At the time of his accident, Tupper was cycling on Potrero Road in Newbury Park.

Lane was trying to pass another vehicle as she rounded a curve near Lewis Road, California Highway Patrol officials said.

Lane crossed over the double yellow line and hit Tupper, who was cycling in the opposite direction, CHP officials said.

Although Tupper was wearing a helmet, he suffered head, abdominal and knee injuries, authorities said.

Tupper worked as a researcher at Amgen, a Newbury Park-based biotechnology firm.

He is survived by his parents, who live in San Jose, hospital officials said.