Today, Daniella Izquierdo, a well known South Florida road cyclist, passed away. "Dani" suffered a terrible bike accident at Six Gap Mountain ride in Georgia, a week ago, and had been in coma. MRI results indicated no brain activity, and this morning her family decided to disconnet her life support system. Dani was a close friend of mine, and a Ferrari enthusiast as well. She was one of those special people who never stopped smiling and cheering for her friends. She will be missed by all of us in cycling community. Eddie Miceli Sunny Isles Florida Image Unavailable, Please Login
I am very sorry to hear her passing. Sounded like a very special and great person. RIP, Condolences to all that were fortunate enough to have met her. She passed doing what she loved...
That's really is a shame. And we think our sport of racing is safe. One never knows how dangerous riding a bike can actually be.
Thank you all for your words of support. I've been getting many phone calls from people who want to know a bit more about Daniella. -Dani was a member of Everglades Bicycle Club, rode with Team Sindacato, Corsa and PAISA among others. An active road cyclist in South Miami and Key Biscayne areas, she was well known for her contagious smile and superb sense of humor. No matter what, Dani was making everyone smile. Always hugging fellow riders and friends; she loved and enjoyed every minute of her life. I will never forget the big smile on her face when I handed her a Ferrari cycling uniform. She was like a kid with a new toy. Later on she admitted her admiration for SF cars. She would love if someday soon, perhaps we can all do a Ferrari drive in her memory. Dani is survived by her parents in Ecuador, sister,and cousin Esteban, who is also a Miami cyclist. Below, a pictute taken this past Sunday 5 at the Miami Turnpike Bicycle race, before the start of one of the series. The banner reads "Daniella we miss you". Thaks you all for your support. Eddie Image Unavailable, Please Login
Very sorry to hear. Sorry for your loss. Sorry to ask, but did someone hit her? I always worry when I ride - people are not careful enough around cyclists, especially around here. It's sometimes downright scary riding a bike. This is a real shame. Again, very sorry. RIP. RMX
Ros, thanks for your words. Dani had travelled to Georgia with a group, to participate in an annual ride called "Six Gap Mountain". I am not familiar with that specific area, but from what my fellow cyclists told me, it is a very tough ride, with heavy climbs followed by steep descends. It was precisely coming down the mountain, when Dani, for reasons still unknown, lost control of her bicycle and flew over the handlebars. Although she was wearing a helmet, it was not enough. She sustained severe head trauma. She was attended on site by 2 doctors who were also participating in the ride, and transported to a hospital in Chattanooga Tenn. , where she remained in coma for a week before she passed away. When her bicycle was later recovered, the speedometer read 44mph.
During our mountain drive last week, we saw one guy riding downhill on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Robert and I both guessed he was doing around 40 mph. I have had a few aquaintances involved in serious or deadly bicycling accidents over the past few years. It is really surprising how often these types of tragedies strike. I would like to participate in a drive around Key Biscayne in your friend's memory. I think next weekend is pretty open. Anyone else up for a drive? BT
Bill, thanks. A Ferrari lap drive around Key Biscayne, where Dani used to ride is a great idea. I will take my F car and ask her cousin Esteban to lead the caravan at the wheel. This is a nice gesture I'm sure Dani and her family will appreciate. It couldbe perhaps Saturday 18 around mid morning, when all cyclists are riding along the key. Most of them will tag along the caravan, if we set the pace slow. Thank you again, Eddie
Thank you Vasco. Dani was an organ donor. She will save other people's lives. An example we should all follow.