VOICE OF THE PEOPLE What happened to Bill Wegener?

Editor’s note: The following letter refers to an incident that occurred Dec. 18 near Salton City. A 91-yearold bicyclist died after being struck from behind by a vehicle in the area of North Marina Drive at Sea Wind Avenue. William “Bill” Wegener sustained fatal trauma after the vehicle struck the back of his bicycle. The driver, a 30-year-old female Salton City resident, was not arrested.

He was an avid bicycle rider. How could someone be killed who was so learned and so conscientious in riding a bicycle? How could a person be so careless to hit a cyclist from behind? All those who loved and adored Bill — and there were many — are still shaking their heads and trying to figure out why and how this could have happened. Was this “inattentive” driving?

Bill lived in Idaho, but spent his winters at the Salton Sea area.

We lost a great person Dec. 18, 2018, one individual who was loved and respected by so many.

He was a guy who truly liked exercising — morning was his passion. He was in great shape. He was tall, slender and still quite handsome for someone soon to be 92 years old on Feb. 15. Fishing was another of his passions, which he enjoyed with his son, Billy. He also had a “FourTrac” that he was excited about.

Reading the newspaper was his daily ritual. He shared that paper with his next-door neighbor, sometimes coming inside for a cup of coffee and a short visit.

What a guy! He is already so missed. Lots of tears have been shed for him.

Even in times of great sorrow there is great joy. The sorrow is that Bill is no longer with us — but the joy is that he is in the presence of the Lord.

Beverly Witherspoon Buhl, Idaho