SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- A bicyclist killed Tuesday in a crash with a Toyota Prius in Balboa Park has been identified as a local architect and designer of several San Diego State University facilities.
The crash was reported about 7:30 a.m. on Pershing Drive near Florida Drive, San Diego police Officer Scott Lockwood said.
Laura Shinn, 57, was struck from behind while riding and found unresponsive when officers arrived at the scene, Lockwood said. Shinn was taken to Scripps Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving, according to the Medical Examiner's office.
In a statement sent to ABC 10News, San Diego State University described Shinn as an "talented architect" and her "creativity and commitment to sustainability was evident in every project she touched."
San Diego State University can confirm that our dear friend and colleague, Laura Shinn, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning. Laura, SDSU’s Director of Facilities Planning, was an incredibly talented architect who helped oversee much of our university’s development and growth. From the Engineering & Interdisciplinary Sciences Complex to the ongoing development of SDSU Mission Valley, Laura’s creativity and commitment to sustainability was evident in every project she touched. Those projects will forever serve as a physical testament to Laura’s impact both on-and-off-campus. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with Laura’s family. Please respect their privacy during this incredibly difficult time.
Adam David Milavetz, 38, was identified as the driver involved in the crash. Police said Milavetz remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
At Milavetz's arraignment Thursday , Deputy District Attorney Kelsey Hollander alleged Shinn was riding in the bike lane when she was struck and that her bicycle and helmet were both outfitted with lights.
Following the crash, the prosecutor said Milavetz got out of his car, ran across the street and dumped two bags over a fence. The bags were later recovered by police, who found "what appeared to be methamphetamine" inside, police said.
Milavetz also showed "signs and symptoms of being under the influence" of drugs when officers met with him.
Deputy Public Defender Douglas Miller argued at Thursday's arraignment for Milavetz to be released from custody on his own recognizance or to a residential treatment program. He argued the crash was an accident and said Milavetz remained at the scene, making no attempts to flee from authorities.
Miller argued the defendant was not a flight risk, though Hollander noted Milavetz has dual citizenship in the U.S. and Canada.
San Diego Superior Court Judge Joseph Brannigan ultimately ordered Milavetz to remain held without bail, though a bail review hearing was set for next week.
In addition to murder, Milavetz is charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence of drugs causing injury. Milavetz pleaded not guilty.
