Davis, CA (March 11, 2024) – The UC Davis community and the city of Davis are rallying around 18-year-old Julina “Juny” Gow-Smith, a beloved UC Davis freshman and athlete, who is currently in a coma following a severe bicycle collision. The incident occurred on March 11 on Russell Boulevard at County Road 97, just west of Davis, leaving Juny with critical injuries.
Incident Details: Preliminary reports indicate that Juny was crossing County Road 97 from the bike path on the south side of Russell Boulevard to continue on the north side when she was struck by a westbound vehicle. The crossing, controlled by stop signs for cyclists, presents visibility challenges that have been noted by local riders. The motorist involved in the collision stopped at the scene and cooperated with the CHP. Juny was transported to Kaiser Hospital in Vacaville after being ejected from her bicycle and striking her head on the ground, resulting in severe brain damage. The impact of the collision has left her in a coma, unable to breathe on her own, and battling pneumonia.
Legal Implications: Due to the known safety issues at this particular crossing, the details discovered during the investigation will be crucial in this case. Depending on the circumstances of the collision, the family may have the option to pursue a personal injury claim on behalf of Juny for medical treatment costs and pain and suffering. Based on the information provided by other bike riders, it’s also possible that the design of the bike crossing itself is flawed and contributed to the accident.
Call for Information: The CHP encourages anyone with information about the collision to contact the Woodland CHP office at 530-702-6250. As the investigation continues, the community’s focus remains on supporting Juny’s recovery and addressing safety concerns to prevent future accidents.
My thoughts are with Juny as well as her family and friends during this very difficult time. I hope that she is able to make a full recovery and that the family is able to get the support they need. If you can, please contribute to their GoFundMe campaign for Juny’s treatment.
Source: The Davis Enterprise