HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE: SINGLE MOM RUMOR ORTIZ, 30, AND ROBERT GARCIA UMANZOR, 25, IDENTIFIED AFTER HALLOWEEN BIKE RIDE tᩚraɢedy
Two cyclists lost their lives after a car struck a group of around 30 riders in Montclair, California. Their families are now mourning as the driver faces multiple felony charges, including two counts of murder.
A Halloween-themed bicycle ride in Southern California has ended in heartbreak after two cyclists were identified following a devastating collision in Montclair.
Robert Garcia Umanzor, 25, and Rumor Ortiz, 30, died after a vehicle struck several members of a group of approximately 30 cyclists on Saturday night, October 24, 2026.
The collision happened at around 10:39 p.m. near Kingsley Street and Tudor Avenue as the group traveled eastbound along Kingsley Street.
Authorities said the driver left the scene following the collision. Reports from witnesses and local media described one victim being dragged a considerable distance before the driver eventually abandoned the vehicle.
For the families and friends of the two victims, the tᩚraɢedy has left an enormous void. On Monday evening, around 100 people gathered at the 𝔠r𝘢sh site for a vigil, remembering two lives that ended far too soon.
RUMOR ORTIZ REMEMBERED AS A LOVING MOTHER
Rumor Ortiz, 30, was a single mother whose loss has devastated her family and friends.
Her brother shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, expressing his grief and wishing they had been given more time together. He described himself as blessed to have had her as a sister and asked her to watch over him from heaven, holding on to the hope that they would meet again in another life.
Friends also spoke about the happiness Ortiz brought into their lives.
Ani Fine, a friend of Ortiz, remembered her as kindhearted and someone who was consistently happy and brought tremendous joy to the group.
For those who knew her, Ortiz was more than a fellow cyclist. She was a friend whose warmth and presence had become part of their community.
ROBERT GARCIA UMANZOR WAS “FULL OF LIFE”
Robert Garcia Umanzor, 25, was known affectionately as Bobby by fellow cyclists.
His family and friends described him as outgoing, sociable and full of energy. His aunt, Yoly Shively, attended the vigil to honor her nephew and remember the time they shared.
Shively said Umanzor loved being around his family and friends. She described the circumstances surrounding his dєatᩚh as a tᩚraɢedy and urged drivers to exercise care on the road.
Friends also remembered his enthusiasm for cycling and his lively personality. Olivia Gonzales, a friend, recalled that he was full of life, often dancing and enjoying the energy of those around him.
The loss has left loved ones struggling to comprehend how a night that began as a Halloween outing could end with two members of their cycling community gone.
A VIGIL BRINGS THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER
On Monday evening, approximately 100 people gathered near the intersection where the collision occurred.
Flowers, candles and other tributes marked the location as family members, friends and fellow cyclists came together to honor Ortiz and Umanzor.
The gathering also brought renewed attention to the safety of cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
For those who attended, the memorial was an opportunity to remember the people behind the headlines — their personalities, their friendships and the lives they were building.
A fundraising campaign was also established to help Umanzor’s family with funeral expenses. The family is grieving while facing financial challenges, making community support especially meaningful as they prepare to lay him to rest.
DRIVER FACES TWO MURDER COUNTS
Authorities identified the driver as 38-year-old Valentin Alberto Rodriguez of Montclair.
Police said investigators located him at his nearby residence in the early hours of Sunday, October 25, after he allegedly fled the collision scene. He was arrested at approximately 2:40 a.m. and booked into the West Valley Detention Center.
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office announced on October 27 that Rodriguez had been charged with two counts of murder, two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, two counts of driving under the influence causing injury, and felony hit-and-run. Prosecutors also filed special allegations related to great bodily injury or dєatᩚh and fleeing after vehicular manslaughter.
The charges mark a significant development in the case. Rodriguez is accused of driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene after the collision; the allegations must be resolved through the legal process.
The 𝔠r𝘢sh also left other cyclists injured. Authorities reported that one rider suffered major injuries and was in stable condition, while another sustained a minor head injury and declined further medical treatment.
TWO LIVES REMEMBERED
As the investigation and court proceedings continue, Ortiz and Umanzor are being remembered by those who loved them for the joy, friendship and energy they brought into their lives.
Their deaths have left families grieving, friends searching for words and fellow cyclists confronting the loss of two members of their community.
The Halloween ride was meant to be a night of connection and celebration. Instead, it became a painful reminder of how quickly lives can change — and of the families and friends left to carry the memories of those they have lost.
Sources:
- San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office — Charges filed against Valentin Alberto Rodriguez
- CBS Los Angeles — Two cyclists killed in Montclair collision
- ABC7 Los Angeles — Community vigil honors the two cyclists