LAKEPORT — A child who died after being struck by an SUV on Wednesday was identified as Joseph Marcus McCloud-Anderson, 4 years old, of Lakeport.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:33 p.m. as Joseph was walking eastbound along the north shoulder of Soda Bay Road, east of Osprey Court, with family members, according to California Highway Patrol (CHP).
A CHP press release stated that for reasons unknown, Joseph stepped into the westbound lane of Soda Bay Road and was struck by the right front of a black 2004 Saturn SUV, driven by James Bishop, 39, of Lakeport.
The child”s mother, Jennifer McCloud, 34, of Lakeport, said on Thursday, “Me and my girlfriend were walking 20 to 30 feet away from Joseph. He was walking with his uncle, Harry Wilson. I turned around and saw him (Joseph) in the road, before I knew it. But he did not run into the road or try to cross it.”
After the Joseph was hit, he was immediately transported by private citizen and ambulance to Sutter-Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport, according to CHP.
Joseph succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 1:20 p.m.
McCloud said Joseph was a “happy little boy” who liked to talk to people and have conversations. She said he had a “good heart and respect for people.”
Joseph was the youngest of McCloud”s three children, and the only boy.
Though McCloud said she is extremely depressed, she added she is grateful for family support and friends.
“I appreciate all my people and my friends and what they”ve done and are they”re doing to help me through this terrible time.”
The CHP is handling the investigation, the cause of which is still under investigation. Alcohol was not a factor.
Big Valley Rancheria announced on Thursday that a multi-agency meeting will take place to discuss public awareness of traffic safety and concerns resulting from Wednesday”s fatal incident on Soda Bay Road.
At the request of the business committee, the governing board of Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians of the Big Valley Rancheria. The Tribal Chief Executive Officer requested and will host a meeting with county and state officials to discuss the tragedy resulting in the fatality of a minor.
The Lake County Chief Administrative Officer, Lake County Sheriff Frank Rivero and a representative from the CHP were invited to be in attendance.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss with state and local agency officials the tragedy and its impact on the tribe and community at large. It will also promote the collective awareness and respect of governmental responsibility to public safety for safe roads and motorists, driving patterns in residential areas, assess, understand, identify traffic hazards and risks to both pedestrians and motorists along Soda Bay Road. A discussion of solutions and efforts to mitigate potential for loss of life and property damage, secure mutual cooperation and assistance in the “government-to-government relationship” that addresses public agency response will take place. Communication and respect in times of emergency and/or crisis will be touched on. Findings, conclusions and other information will be used to implement safety measures to protect the community.
This meeting is not open to the public.
