A married couple was both struck and killed by lumber that slid off a flatbed truck that was passing them while on a cycling trip.
The couple from Portland died after being struck by lumber that shifted on a truck while they were riding bicycles together in Napa Valley, as per a report in the New York Post.
Christian and Michelle Deaton, both Nike executives, were simply enjoying their adventure when tragedy struck. They had been married for 21 years.
Oregon Live provided more details:
“Christian Deaton, 52, was pronounced dead at the scene Tuesday morning. His wife, Michelle Deaton, 48, was taken to a hospital where she died, said Napa County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Henry Woffard.
The two both worked for Nike in Beaverton.
“They shared so much love for each other,” said Elizabeth LeMay, a friend of the couple who previously worked directly with Christian Deaton at Nike. “They were a couple you come across once in a lifetime.”
The 55-year-old driver of the truck was said to have stayed on the scene as police and medical personnel made their way to the tragic incident. It remains unclear if the man will face any charges for the tragic accident.
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The truck company said in a statement, “We are devastated by this news, and our deepest sympathies are with the victims’ families and loved ones. Central Valley is continuing to gather the facts to determine exactly what happened, including working closely with local law enforcement as they investigate this incident.”
In a statement shared on Facebook, the Napa County Bicycle Coalition said: “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Michelle and Christian Deaton, two bicyclists who were visiting from Portland, Oregon, and were killed yesterday while riding on Silverado Trail. This enormous, preventable loss is sitting heavy in our hearts and minds, as we know it is for those who ride locally and work toward safer streets. Living here, riding here, and visiting here should be safe for all road users, and we are incredibly saddened that the Deatons were not kept safe.”
Christian worked as the Vice President of Product and Merchandising at Nike Swim and Michelle was the Studio Design Director at Nike Accessories.
