Bicyclist Dies After Being Struck By School Bus In Palmdale

PALMDALE (CBSLA.com) — An 18-year-old bicyclist was killed after he was struck by a school bus in Palmdale on Monday.

The crash happened around 3 p.m. at East Avenue R and 55th Street East.

Michael Valenzuela was riding his bike across the street to soccer practice when he was hit by the bus, which was carrying 47 K-8 kids from a local school, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Investigators said the bus did not have a stop sign.

The young man was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

No one on the bus was injured.

Valenzuela, known as "Speedy" to his loved ones, had just completed his first day of work at a new job.

Herbert Baldizon, the victim's close friend, said he spoke to Valenzuela hours before he passed.

"I saw him earlier. I saw him riding his bike when I was on my way to a friend's house," he said. "He was just a good guy. He liked to play soccer. He really liked Cristiano Ronaldo. I can't believe this happened to him."

Another friend, Olivia Sanchez, couldn't hold back her tears as she tried to comprehend the news.

"I just can't believe it's him. He was very shy, but once you got to know him, he was the funniest guy ever," she said.