Bicyclists killed in Napa County crash identified as Oregon couple

Authorities on Wednesday identified the two bicyclists killed by lumber that shifted in the back of a Freightliner truck Tuesday in Napa County.

Christian Deaton, 52, and Michelle Deaton, 48, a married couple from Portland, Oregon, were riding their bicycles north along Silverado Trail at about 11 a.m. next to a three-axle truck carrying lumber when the wood shifted over the edge and hit the two.

Christian Deaton was pronounced dead at the crash site, just north of Oak Knoll Avenue.

Michelle Deaton suffered major injuries and was taken by ambulance to Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, where she later died.

The bicyclists were identified Wednesday afternoon by the Napa County Coroner’s Office.

“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,” the nonprofit Napa County Bicycle Coalition posted on its Facebook page Wednesday afternoon.

“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.”

The driver of the truck, owned by Central Valley Builders Supply, pulled over after the crash and cooperated with the California Highway Patrol.

In a statement emailed to The Press Democrat on Wednesday morning, a Central Valley spokesperson said 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.”

A portion of Silverado Trail, extending from Oak Knoll Avenue to Yountville Cross Road, was closed for about two and a half hours Tuesday as Highway Patrol and the Sheriff’s Office investigated and cleared the site.

There were no further updates as of Wednesday, according to CHP Officer Vince Pompliano. It was not clear what kind of lumber was on the truck during the collision and how it struck the couple.

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