The family of Regan Cole-Graham, a pregnant Google executive who died in a February traffic incident, is blaming the city of Los Angeles, asserting that the removal of bike lanes on Pershing Drive contributed to her death. Cole-Graham, seven months pregnant, and her toddler son were struck by an elderly driver in the Playa del Rey neighborhood.
Cole-Graham, 36, died at the scene, and her daughter, Ophelia, was stillborn shortly after being delivered prematurely. Her toddler sustained minor injuries. Cole-Graham's husband, Matt Graham, and their other child, who were also biking, were unharmed.
Brian Breiter, the family's attorney, stated that the removal of protective bike lanes from Pershing Drive, where the collision occurred at the intersection of Manchester Avenue, was a critical factor in the incident. "That protection, that area of safety was taken away, and we believe that was a critical factor," Breiter told KTLA.
The driver, who has not been charged with any crime, struck Cole-Graham and her son approximately two miles from their home. The family intends to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the city, citing the absence of bike lanes.
A GoFundMe campaign established for the family has raised over $302,000. Matt Graham described his wife as an "amazing wife" and "the world's best mother," expressing the profound void left by her death. He shared his hope that publicizing the tragedy will lead to improved safety measures for other families in the city.
Cole-Graham had been employed by Google in Los Angeles since 2019, holding positions such as Consumer Marketing Lead and Brand Partnerships Lead. Her professional achievements included orchestrating a multi-million dollar partnership with Live Nation. She was also remembered for her active engagement with her children, with her husband noting her constant desire to play and be outdoors with them.
Matt Graham shared his wife's story publicly to ensure she is remembered for her positive impact and her excitement about becoming a mother to a baby girl. The family is seeking to honor Cole-Graham's memory by advocating for changes that would prevent similar tragedies.
