(Update Contains an updated description of the car, a silver or dark gray Lexus)
Coroner’s officials identified the bicyclist killed in a fatal hit-and-run collision Wednesday on Placerita Canyon Road. Law enforcement officials are still trying to locate the driver.
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Rod Bennett, 53, of Valencia, was hit by a silver or dark gray Lexus with right front end damage, a cracked windshield and a white roof rack, which was headed eastbound on Placerita Canyon Road, east of Highway 14, while riding a blue Eddy Merckx road bicycle, according to a California Highway Patrol report.
Here is a photo of the vehicle released by CHP Newhall officials:
Emergency responders pronounced Bennett dead at the scene as a result of injuries he sustained in the collision.
Related story: UPDATE: CHP Investigating Fatal Hit And Run On Placerita Canyon
Bennett taught math, music and band at Arroyo Seco Junior High School. A statement sent by Arroyo Seco Principal Rhondi Durand Wednesday night included the following:
“Please know that we will have crisis counseling team members on hand throughout the day to assist our students and staff in what will most assuredly be a difficult day for all of us.
In light of these extraordinary circumstances, I have made the difficult decision to cancel the Showcase scheduled for tomorrow. Rod Bennett was a beloved teacher, mentor and friend to so many at Arroyo Seco. I have also asked to have the assistance of the District Office personnel on hand to assist us.” (Click here for the Hart district website.)
California Highway Patrol officers are leading the investigation. The driver of the sedan is sought in connection with the fatal crash. An arrest had not been reported as of 10 p.m., according to Sheriff’s Station officials.
An all points bulletin has been issued for the vehicle, and officials are asking anyone who identifies the car to call 911. Informants can report information anonymously.
The collision occurred around 4:31 p.m. Wednesday for an unknown reason, officials stated, noting Bennett was to the far right of the eastbound lane on Placerita Canyon Road, in front of the silver sedan at the time of the incident. The sedan was behind the bicyclist when the car struck the bike.
“After the collision, the driver of the silver sedan continued eastbound on Placerita Canyon Road, fleeing the scene,” according to a CHP report.
Anyone with information regarding this collision is encouraged to contact Officer Branch at the Newhall CHP Office at (661)-294-5540.
(Melissa Lampert contributed to this report.)
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