The cycling community is sadly no stranger to violence and damage afflicted by drivers, but much of it is unintentional. However, this week, the cycling community in Los Angeles is mourning the death of 58-year-old Michael John Mammone, an emergency room doctor at Providence Mission Hospital in Laguna Beach. Mammone was struck by a driver at Dana Point while riding his mountain bike along the Pacific Coast Highway on Wednesday around 3 p.m.
After the driver hit him with his Lexus, the driver—Vanroy Evan Smith—got out of the car and repeatedly stabbed him before bystanders could intervene. Bystanders later reported that Smith was also holding a BB gun.
Mammone was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced deceased, while bystanders restrained the 39-year-old responsible for his murder. Officers arrived on the scene and arrested Smith and seized the knife he used. Smith was quickly taken into custody where he remains, currently being held without bail.
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NBC News reports that thus far, the police have not found a link between Mammone and Smith, and thus, no motive for the attack. “As of right now we currently don’t truly understand the why… as far as motivation and any type of relationship,” said Sheriff’s Sgt. Mike Woodroof. “Investigators are keeping all options open to check those boxes, if you will, to make sure they don’t leave anything uncovered.”
By all accounts, Mammone was a highly-rated and well-respected emergency doctor—and a keen cyclist who regularly rode in the Laguna Beach area, judging by his Strava profile.
A press release from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department confirms that investigators are still trying to ascertain whether or not the two had a relationship prior to the attack, but haven’t uncovered anything yet. They’re also asking the public for help: If you have any information related to this crime, please contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-288-6740. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
Molly writes about cycling, nutrition and training, with an emphasis on women in sport. Her new middle-grade series, Shred Girls, debuts with Rodale Kids/Random House in 2019 with "Lindsay's Joyride." Her other books include "Mud, Snow and Cyclocross," "Saddle, Sore" and "Fuel Your Ride." Her work has been published in magazines like Bicycling, Outside and Nylon. She co-hosts The Consummate Athlete Podcast.
