2 bicyclists killed when hit by lumber carried on truck in Napa County

Two bicyclists were killed after they were struck Tuesday by shifting lumber in a large truck on a Napa County roadway, authorities said.

The two cyclists were riding north on Silverado Trail at about 11 a.m. next to a 2018 Freightliner three-axle truck carrying lumber just north of Oak Knoll Avenue when the wood shifted over the edge of the truck bed and hit them, California Highway Patrol Napa Officer Vince Pompliano told The Press Democrat.

One of the bicyclists, believed to be a 50-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the site of the crash. The other cyclist, a woman about 45 years old, suffered major injuries and was taken to Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center, where she later died.

“The load itself never fell off the truck, it just shifted and that’s what hit the victims,” Pompliano said.

Details were not immediately available about the size of the load. A few hours later, there was just one piece of wood visible strapped to the truck bed.

The driver of the truck, which is owned by Central Valley Builders Supply, stopped after the collision.

The bicyclists will be identified by the Napa County Coroner’s Office after their families are contacted.

The Napa County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement at about 11:50 a.m. that Silverado Trail was closed from Oak Knoll Avenue to Yountville Cross Road due to a fatal collision.

The stretch of the Silverado Trail, a major artery through Napa County, where the incident took place is a two-lane road with painted bike lanes. Bordering the roadway are vineyards and a few scattered homes.

The roadway was reopened by 2:30 p.m.

A Central Valley spokesperson said in an email to The Press Democrat on Wednesday morning that the company is aware of the situation.

“We are devastated by this news, and our deepest sympathies are with the victims' families and loved ones,” the spokesperson said. “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.”

Staff Writer Jeremy Hay contributed reporting to this story.

You can reach Staff Writer Madison Smalstig at madison.smalstig@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @madi.smals.