A pregnant mother riding a bicycle with her family was struck from behind by a car in Playa del Rey on Saturday evening, Jan. 31, and later died at a hospital, police said. Doctors delivered her baby girl, who died the next day, relatives said.
The woman was identified by family as Regan Cole-Graham, 36, a mother of two who was seven months pregnant. Police said the collision happened around 6 p.m. near Pershing Drive and Manchester Avenue, a coastal corridor south of Los Angeles International Airport. The driver, described by officials as an older man in a Toyota Camry, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Detectives said alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors. The case remains under review as collision specialists document the roadway, vehicle damage and witness statements to determine whether charges will be forwarded to prosecutors.
Cole-Graham was riding an electric bicycle alongside her husband, Matt Graham, and their two children when the southbound car hit the rear of her bike, police said. Their three-year-old son was seated in a child saddle and was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, according to relatives. Cole-Graham was ejected onto the roadway and rushed by paramedics for emergency treatment. She was pronounced dead later that night. Physicians delivered her 31-week-old baby in an emergency procedure; the infant was transferred to neonatal intensive care but died Sunday, the family said. “Regan was the most wonderful human being I ever met,” a friend said, calling her a devoted mother and colleague.
Investigators said the impact pushed the bicycle forward while the car continued several yards before stopping. The driver called for help and spoke with officers at the scene. Police did not immediately release his name pending the outcome of the inquiry, which includes roadway mapping, speed analysis and a review of nearby surveillance footage. Officials noted no immediate signs of impairment and said preliminary findings point to a rear-end collision on a straight section of Pershing Drive. The family’s second child, an 18-month-old, was on another bike with Graham and was not seriously hurt, relatives said. Hospital staff notified detectives of the neonatal death on Sunday afternoon as evidence technicians processed the bicycle and collected clothing for lab review.
Memorial flowers and candles have since appeared near the intersection, where neighbors said weekend traffic moves quickly between beach parking lots and residential blocks. Friends described Cole-Graham as energetic and meticulous at work and warm at home. She had worked in technology and media roles and joined Google in 2019, according to colleagues who gathered for a vigil. “She loved life. She loved playing with her kids,” said family friend Chrystal Caban. Residents arriving Monday morning found chalk notes and photos taped to a light pole, with passersby pausing beside a cluster of beach cruisers and e-bikes leaned against a rail.
Police said the investigation will include vehicle inspections, toxicology screening as standard procedure and interviews with additional witnesses who drove through the area around 5:45–6:15 p.m. Saturday. Detectives are checking for video from businesses along Pershing Drive and Manchester Avenue and for data from nearby traffic cameras. Once reports are completed, the case file will be sent to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review. Officials did not give a timeline but said collision reconstructions typically take weeks. Any charging decision would be announced by prosecutors, who weigh intent, negligence and the evidence gathered at the scene.
Cole-Graham’s family has organized services and is coordinating support for her husband and two young sons. A community fundraiser quickly drew messages from co-workers, neighbors and bicycling groups. Outside the family home, visitors dropped off meals and notes, some written by classmates of the couple’s preschooler. Along Pershing Drive at dusk, cyclists slowed near a growing memorial and rang their bells before moving past. “We’ll be here for the family as long as it takes,” a neighbor said. By midweek, the roadside display included stuffed animals, sunflowers and a photo of a pink knit cap set beside a candle.
As of Thursday, police said the driver has not been arrested and the inquiry is continuing. Detectives plan additional measurements at the scene and will take new statements from witnesses in the coming days. The coroner is preparing final autopsy findings. Officials said they will release updates when the investigative report is forwarded to prosecutors.
Author note: Last updated February 6, 2026.