Maribel Espitia: Motorcyclist learning to ride on mall roof dies after falling down 3 floors
Maribel Espitia, a female motorcyclist reportedly in her 20s, fell to her death on February 7 while learning to ride the vehicle in a California mall garage. As she was in the process of learning, she flew over the handlebars of the vehicle and plummeted three stories down the parking deck.
A spokesperson from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department offered two possible causes: The learner either lost control of the motorcycle or could not hit the breaks before she crashed into the wall. This accident occured on February 7 in the parking lot garage at Westfield Valencia Town Centre in Santa Clarita.
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Reportedly, two men and two women were trying out some tricks on the parking deck while seated on the motorcycles when the accident occured. The parking deck was seen to be scuffed with tire treads. One mall employee said the area is a known destination where bikers come to perform 'donuts'. Sgt Dave Shoemaker from the Sheriff's Office said, "I know friends want to teach people, but if you're that interested, take a professional course."
Since authorities at the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner's office could not establish contact with the victim's family, her identity is yet to be revealed. However, she is said to have been roughly in her 20s. A GoFundMe was launched for Espitia. It has already raised over $14K of its $20K goal.
This incident occured on Monday, February 7 when the group of motorists were teaching the woman the process of riding a bike, as reported by the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Office. Around 5 pm after the woman fell, the authorities recieved a phone call about the mishap. The sheriff's office got in touch with the mall to find out exactly how things went down.
The woman was treated at the scene itself. She was checked by the Los Angeles County Fire. Then she was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Despite the authorities at the sheriff's office having ruled this incident a 'tragic accident', the event will further be investigated.