77-year-old Andrew Jelmert killed in April 23 hit and run training for AIDS/Lifecycle
By Susan Payne
The Los Angeles Police Department said alcohol was a factor in the hit and run death of a gay cyclist during the AIDS/Lifecycle training ride in Griffith Park on April 23.
The victim, Andrew Jelmert, 77, was a real estate agent training for the annual AIDS/Lifecycle event headed northbound in the 4400 block of Crystal Springs Drive. He was struck by a late model 4-door BWW sedan driven by 37-year-old Jairo Martinez, according to an article published by The Los Angeles Blade.
Jelmert fell onto the roadway and suffered blunt force trauma. He was pronounced dead at the scene, the LA Blade reported.
Martinez allegedly fled the scene on foot. After multiple witness at the scene helped LAPD officers find the driven, he was arrested by Los Angeles County Park Rangers. Martinez remains in custody on $617,500 bail, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department booking records.
The AIDS/Lifecycle Day on the Ride precedes the AIDS/LifeCycle event, beginning in Griffith Park for 67 miles returning to the park.
Since his death, more than $25,568 of Jelmert’s fundraising goal has been raised as of May 12.
