At about 1:55 p.m. Sunday, James Thomas, 57, resident of Pinyon, was riding his mountain bike downhill on a dirt trail near Pinyon. Thomas was two-tenths of a mile southwest of Highway 74 and Pinon Flats Transfer Station Roda when, according to Riverside County Coroner Sgt. Brent Sechrest, he hit a rocky patch and was thrown from his bike.
Sechrest reported Thomas was riding a good mountain bike, wearing a helmet and all appropriate gear, but died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Darren Meyer said Thomas suffered significant head injuries in the crash. He also said the only witness was a 49-year-old female hiker from Idyllwild. She found the body about six hours after the time of death.
The incident is under investigation. Anyone with more information should contact the California Highway Patrol, Indio station, at 760-772-8911.
