Andrew Jelmert, a realtor in Los Angeles was reportedly killed whilst preparing for a 67-mile charity ride in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park on Saturday. It is alleged a 36-year-old male, Jairo Martinez struck Jelmert with his BMW on Crystal Springs Drive, Griffith Park on 16 April 2022 as Jelmert was completing the last stretch of the ride. Jelmert was pronounced dead at the scene, leading to renewed calls for safer conditions for cyclists in the park.
Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that alcohol was a factor in the incident. Martinez was then alleged to have fled the scene on foot before being caught by park rangers and arrested near the scene. District Attorney George Gascon announced on Wednesday that Martinez had since been charged with one count of murder, one count of hit and run driving resulting in death to another person, and one misdemeanor count of driving suspended.
According to reports, Jelmert had already raised $21,000 for the upcoming event. Event organizers said they were “heartbroken by the senseless tragedy”.
Following the tragedy, friends and family gathered to remember the 77-year-old, leaving candles along with 77 roses in honour of Andrew Jelmert. Andrew leaves behind his life partner of 28 years.
