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Matt Rainwater - Former Cal Poly Pomona distance star seriously injured in bicycle accident

Having recently completed his collegiate running career at Cal Poly Pomona, former Brea HS star Matt Rainwater was in Colorado this summer, and was involved in a bicycle accident that nearly killed him. Putting the close to a fine collegiate running career with participation in the NCAA Division II Track Nationals off his 9:14.74 seasonal Steeplechase best, Rainwater suffered serious injuries in the summer accident, as described by Jim Sackett, the Cal Poly Pomona Coach.

Sackett's most recent summary: "Rainwater has returned to Southern California and is staying at his mom's in Pasadena. His second jaw surgery went okay. He saw a specialist today about the torn ACL. Eating through a straw and with vest on for compression fracture and he has to watch how he sucks in his food. - I (Sackett) saw the police report and witness report. Helmet shattered into 7 pieces, he flew over twenty feet at a height of 7'. Witness say they hoped he was a Christian because he was not going to live. Every witness saw him except the driver that hit him. Driver making a left hand turn across his lane. He was in correct position. Driver sited for failure to yield right of way."

Certainly our prayers are with Matt and his family at this very serious time - we will attempt to secure an address where cards and best wishes can be sent.

Below is the article from the Colorado paper about the accident itself: - tragically it appears he was riding along in total compliance with traffic laws and a driver turned left across lanes, hitting Rainwater while he drove across an interesection. The importance of wearing a helmet is obvious, appearing to save his life here.

California bicyclist hit on Put Hill; two charges are filed

A California man on a bicycle was struck by a sports utility vehicle while riding down Put Hill July 20. According to police reports, Matthew Rainwater, 22, of Corona, Calif., was riding east when he was struck head-on by a vehicle turning left onto Great West Avenue. Rainwater hit the front fender of the 1996 Ford, bounced off the windshield and went airborne, landing against the guardrail. His bicycle broke in half. His helmet shattered. "If not for the helmet, it probably would have been a fatal accident," Patrol Supervisor Chuck Allen said. Rainwater was transported to Mercy Medical Center in Durango. He was listed in fair condition Wednesday morning. The driver of the SUV, Burln Goodman, 20, of Pagosa Springs, was cited for failure to yield and turning left in front of traffic.

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