Motorcyclist Killed as Vehicle Veers Into Lane

A 37-year-old man died Thursday after his motorcycle was struck and dragged by an oncoming vehicle that crossed into his lane, according to authorities.

Woodland Hills resident Richard Lumley was pronounced dead at the scene by Fire Department paramedics, said Officer Bill Mulvihill of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division.

The accident occurred about 9:15 a.m. on Mulholland Drive just east of Mulholland Highway, authorities said.

Lumley was headed west on a 1991 Harley-Davidson as Lorraine Grant, 39, of Sherman Oaks was eastbound in a Mitsubishi, Sgt. John Amott of the Valley Traffic Division said.

For an unknown reason she swerved into the westbound lane and hit the cycle, Amott said. Lumley was knocked off and dragged under the sport utility vehicle for about 20 feet.

Witnesses told investigators that prior to the accident Grant was seen driving “erratically” on a nearby street, according to Amott. He said Grant had a dog in the vehicle and investigators speculated the animal may have interfered with her control.

There was no evidence of alcohol or drug use, Amott said. Grant was not cited pending further investigation.