Chibeza Nyirenda Jr. Obituary, Death – Authorities in Riverside, California, have identified the pedestrian who died after being struck by a bus near downtown on Wednesday afternoon. The victim was named as 28-year-old Chibeza Nyirenda Jr., a Riverside resident. According to the Riverside Police Department, the incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and 12th Street.
Police reported that an RTA bus had stopped along the southbound side of Chicago Avenue to pick up or drop off passengers. As the bus began to pull away, Nyirenda reportedly stepped into the path of the vehicle and was struck.
Sgt. Tim Jensen of the Riverside Police Department said that the bus driver immediately applied the brakes and called 911. Emergency responders from the Riverside Fire Department arrived within minutes and found Nyirenda unconscious and severely injured.
He was transported to Riverside Community Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased less than 45 minutes after the crash. Authorities confirmed that the collision was fatal and emphasized that the investigation was ongoing.
The Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) was deployed to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigators are reviewing witness statements, traffic camera footage, and other evidence to understand exactly what led to the tragedy.
Sgt. Jensen noted that the investigation aims to determine the sequence of events and contributing factors, including roadway conditions and pedestrian behavior. Police are working carefully to ensure a complete and accurate report of the incident.
Authorities have asked anyone with information about the crash to contact MAIT detectives at 951-826-8722. Public cooperation is considered an important part of the investigation.
The city and local community have expressed sadness following the news of Nyirenda’s death. Friends and neighbors described him as a valued member of the Riverside community, and many have extended condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Officials also reminded both pedestrians and drivers to remain attentive near roadways, particularly in busy areas where vehicles frequently stop to pick up or drop off passengers. Accidents like this, though rare, highlight the importance of caution and awareness for everyone sharing the streets.
While authorities continue their investigation, the focus remains on gathering all relevant information to provide clarity for the family and ensure that any lessons from the incident can be shared to improve safety in the future.
This incident has underscored the critical role of pedestrian safety in urban areas and has prompted city officials to continue promoting public awareness campaigns about roadway safety. Drivers are encouraged to remain vigilant around bus stops and intersections, and pedestrians are advised to use crosswalks and remain aware of oncoming traffic.
As the investigation progresses, Riverside police said they will provide updates when additional information becomes available. In the meantime, community members are urged to keep Nyirenda’s family in their thoughts while authorities work to complete a thorough review of the events that led to this tragedy.
