ESCONDIDO, Calif. (KGTV) - Police are searching for a hit-and-run driver who abandoned a vehicle after striking and killing a cyclist Saturday in Escondido.
The cyclist was identified Monday as Kevin Lentz of Vista, a married father of a 1-year-old son, according to Escondido Police Lt. Scott Walters and friends of Lentz.
The 36-year-old Lentz was cycling with a group on La Honda Road north of El Norte Parkway when he was hit head-on Saturday around noon, according to the Escondido Police Department.
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“The driver of the car was on the wrong side of the road, traveling at high speed on a blind curve when he hit Kevin head-on, killing him instantly,” wrote Devin Rickey on a GoFundMe page set up for Lentz’ family.
Officers found the dark Toyota sedan abandoned a half-mile away, in the 600 block of Aster Street. The vehicle had significant damage to the windshield and roof.
Lentz was an avid cyclist who raced competitively for the TASCO MTB mountain bike team before scaling back his riding to spend more time with family, friends said. He married his wife Lauren in 2016 and was excited to start a family.
“Kevin was so full of life and love for his family and friends and his loss will leave a hole that cannot be filled,” Rickey wrote.
Anyone with information can call Escondido Police at 760-839-4722.
