HALLOWEEN BIKE RIDE ENDS IN TRAGEDY: SINGLE MOTHER, 30, AND YOUNG CYCLIST KILLED IN ALLEGED DUI CRASH

Rumor Ortiz, 30, and Robert Garcia Umanzor, 25, died after a car struck a group of around 30 cyclists in Montclair, California. As loved ones gathered to remember them, prosecutors filed two murder counts against the driver accused of fleeing the scene.

A Halloween-themed bicycle ride that was meant to bring people together ended in heartbreak after two cyclists were killed in a collision involving an allegedly intoxicated driver in Southern California.

Rumor Ortiz, 30, and Robert Garcia Umanzor, 25, died after a vehicle struck several members of a group of approximately 30 cyclists on Kingsley Street near Tudor Avenue in Montclair at around 10:39 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Two other cyclists were also injured.

Umanzor, affectionately known as Bobby by friends, was pronounced dead at the scene. Ortiz was taken to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries. The collision has devastated their families and the cycling community, where both were remembered for their warmth and love of riding.

A FINAL RIDE THAT LEFT FAMILIES HEARTBROKEN

For Ortiz’s family, the loss of the 30-year-old has been especially painful. Her brother shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, expressing his heartbreak and wishing they had been given more time together.

He described himself as blessed to have had Ortiz as his sister and asked her to watch over him from heaven, holding onto the hope that they would meet again in another life.

Friends also remembered Ortiz as a kindhearted person whose happiness brought joy to those around her.

Ani Fine, a friend of Ortiz, described her as someone who was consistently cheerful and brought tremendous happiness to the group. Her death has left friends struggling to accept that a night spent riding together ended in such devastating circumstances.

“BOBBY” REMEMBERED FOR HIS SMILE

Umanzor’s family and friends also gathered to honor a young man they described as sociable, fun-loving and full of life.

His aunt, Yoly Shively, attended a vigil held near the crash site on Monday, October 26. She remembered her nephew as someone who loved spending time with family and friends and urged drivers to exercise caution on the road.

Other cyclists recalled Bobby’s energetic personality and the happiness he brought to group rides. One friend described him as someone who was always dancing, enjoying the atmosphere and sharing his positive energy with those around him.

Around 100 people gathered at the memorial to remember both victims. Candles, flowers and other tributes marked the location where the ride had turned into a tragedy.

Umanzor’s family has also established a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses. The appeal describes a family dealing with profound grief while facing financial pressure as they prepare to lay him to rest.

DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGED HIT-AND-RUN

Police identified the driver as Valentin Alberto Rodriguez, 38, of Montclair. Authorities said he allegedly struck the cyclists and left the scene without stopping.

Investigators, assisted by witness information, located Rodriguez at his residence near the crash site. He was arrested in the early hours of Sunday, October 25. Witnesses reported that one victim was dragged for more than a mile after the collision.

On October 27, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office announced 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 connected to the deaths and the alleged flight from the scene.

The murder charges mark a significant development in the case. However, the allegations have not been proven in court, and Rodriguez is presumed innocent unless and until he is convicted.

A COMMUNITY CALLS FOR SAFER ROADS

The tragedy has renewed concerns about the safety of cyclists sharing public roads with motor vehicles.

For the people who gathered at the vigil, the loss was deeply personal: two members of their community had set out for an evening ride and never returned home.

Friends and relatives are now left with memories of shared adventures, laughter and the ordinary moments that made both victims special to the people who knew them.

As the legal case moves forward, their loved ones continue to grieve and ask drivers to make responsible choices behind the wheel.

Rumor Ortiz was 30. Robert Garcia Umanzor was 25. Their lives were remembered by family, friends and fellow cyclists who gathered to honor them after a night that changed their community forever.