Driver who allegedly hit, killed SLO County bicyclist on New Year’s Day to appear in court
The driver in a fatal crash that killed a Grover Beach resident and nurse on New Year’s Day is expected to be arraigned this week.
The Grover Beach Police Department did not initially release information on the incident to the public, but on Tuesday issued a news release with details.
According to the release, at around 4:23 p.m. on Jan. 1, police and medical personnel were dispatched to the scene of a collision between a vehicle and bicyclist in the 900 block of North 12th Street.
According to the release, Michelle L. Seybert, 57, was struck by an SUV driven by fellow Grover Beach resident Richard J. Grandi, 74, sustaining serious and ultimately fatal injuries in the process.
Seybert was transported to Adventist Health Sierra Vista by ambulance, while Grandi stayed at the scene and was cooperative with traffic collision investigators, according to the release.
After 12 days in the hospital in critical condition, Seybert died as a result of her injuries, the release said.
Further investigation found Seybert was riding her bicycle uphill in the southbound lane when she was struck from behind by the SUV, according to the release.
While drugs and alcohol were not a factor in the collision, the time of day and sunlight flare did play a part, police said.
The San Luis Obispio County District Attorney’s Office filed a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter against Grandi on April 23. He is expected to appear for arraignment Wednesday in San Luis Obispo Superior Court, according to the release.
