Sonoma County boy killed in bicycle accident near Cloverdale

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Cloverdale residents are mourning an 11-year-old boy who died in a bicycle accident just outside the city limits over the weekend.

In a series of social media posts, loved ones and community members identified the child as Cesar Preciado-Garcia, a Washington School student and Cloverdale resident.

They launched Memorial GoFundMe fundraiser and say, “This is a very difficult and difficult time for the family and any help would be greatly appreciated. “His family is trying to stay strong as they have two other children, but it’s very heartbreaking and we’re trying to help them as much as we can.”

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the child’s name Tuesday and the California Highway Patrol released the circumstances of the crash.

It happened just before 6:30 p.m. Saturday on Aurelia Drive, north of 2 Bertie Winery Road. That’s in the area east of Highway 101 and the Russian River, which run parallel to each other.

CHP Officer David DeRoutte said the child fell off the bike and the handlebars hit him in the stomach. He was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital in Providence, where he died.

The crash was ruled an accident and no foul play was suspected, De Rutte said.

The Cloverdale Unified School District sent a message to community members acknowledging the “heartbreaking news” and saying counselors would be available on campus throughout the week.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and everyone affected by this loss,” the statement said. “We understand that news like this can be difficult and can impact students and staff in different ways.

“In times of loss, it is so important to come together as a community to support each other.”

You can reach staff writer Colin Atagi at [email protected]. On Twitter @colin_atagi