Vehicle struck pregnant woman riding bicycle with family near Manchester Avenue
January 31, 2026 | Playa Del Rey, CA
In a tragic accident, 36-year-old Regan Cole and her unborn child lost their lives following a collision involving bicycles and a vehicle in Playa del Rey.
The accident occurred during a family outing, leaving her husband and two young children to cope with the profound loss.
Regan Cole, 36, died along with her unborn child after a vehicle struck Cole while bicycling near Pershing Drive and Manchester Avenue in Playa del Rey.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident took place around 6 p.m. on Jan. 31 near the intersection of Pershing Drive and Manchester Avenue. Cole was riding a bicycle with her family when they were struck by a vehicle driven by an elderly man, who stayed at the scene.
Key details include:
- Victim: Regan Cole, 36, pregnant at the time
- Location: Playa del Rey, near Pershing Drive and Manchester Avenue
- Time: Approximately 6 p.m.
- Vehicles Involved: Bicycles and a motor vehicle
- Agency: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
- Outcome: Cole succumbed to injuries, and her unborn baby was delivered but did not survive
A fundraiser has been established to assist with funeral costs and support her family.
Why Do Bicycle Accidents Like This Occur?
Bicycle crashes often stem from factors such as road conditions, driver inattention, and the vulnerability of cyclists on roads built for cars. Authorities have not yet indicated if charges will be filed against the driver.
To highlight the broader issue, consider these statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
Year |
Bicyclist Fatalities |
Percentage Change |
|---|
2022 |
1,105 |
Not Available |
2023 |
1,166 |
+4.4% |
This data underscores the rising dangers for cyclists, with 2023 marking the highest toll since at least 1980.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the need for thorough investigations in motor vehicle incidents involving vulnerable road users.
“Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road, and many factors can contribute to serious crashes,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “It is imperative to come to a determination of the exact cause of these types of accidents. An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses. We carefully guide the family of the victim through the process.”
Key takeaways:
- Independent investigations help preserve evidence and identify causes.
- In cases such as this, reviewing police reports and potential contributors is crucial.
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for damages like loss of companionship and emotional distress.
“Grieving families of victims are sometimes overwhelmed by the legal processes that are in place to protect their rights,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “An attorney can be a valuable and compassionate resource to help guide a family during this difficult time, and ensure that those left behind receive the restitution they are entitled to.”
Pending investigation outcomes, Cole's family could explore such claims to seek justice.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has experience with fatal bicycle accidents. She offers free consultations to those in need of legal guidance.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).