The Southern California cycling community is mourning the loss of mountain bike racer Julian Enrique Hernandez, 25, of Costa Mesa, who passed away on 4 March following a rattlesnake bite sustained on a ride in Irvine last month.
While training in preparation for the upcoming mountain bike race season, Hernandez was bitten on 1 February at the Quail Hill Trailhead after he politely stepped off the trail to let other cyclists pass. Seeking immediate medical care, he attempted to ride out but was overcome by the venom. The Orange County Fire Authority responded and transported him to a local hospital.
He was placed in intensive care, eventually fell into a coma, and never regained consciousness before passing away. His family maintained a continuous vigil throughout his 30-plus days in hospital.
Racing for Pasta Connection last season Julian was crowned champion of the Mazda Over The Hump MTB Race Series, dominating the final three races in the Men’s Intermediate U29 category to earn overall victory.
On the series Instagram page fellow racer MX MARK described Julian as someone he looked up to, “RIP Julián. I raced in the same class with him last year and spoke with him every week. Kind, determined, and strong young man. He always led the pack so I would keep my eye out for him to see if I was keeping up.”
Authorities urge off-road cyclists to not venture off well worn/marked paths and remain alert to ground-level hazards, particularly during warmer early-season days when snake activity increases.
Rattlesnake bites cause only around five deaths annually in the United States out of around 8000 venomous snake bites reported each year, making Hernandez’s death a sobering and exceptionally rare tragedy.
A GoFundMe to help cover hospital expenses as well as support the family has been set up. At press time over 480 people have donated $33k USD.
Our thoughts are with Julian’s family and friends.
Photo Credit: Instagram/raceoc
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