Julian Hernandez Dies 1 Month After Irvine Rattlesnake Bite During Bike Ride
Updated
Updated · Voice of OC · Jul 10
Julian Hernandez Dies 1 Month After Irvine Rattlesnake Bite During Bike Ride
2 articles · Updated · Voice of OC · Jul 10
Summary
25-year-old Julian Hernandez of Costa Mesa died after spending more than a month in the hospital following a rattlesnake bite on an Irvine trail.
Irvine police said Hernandez had stopped near the Quail Hill Community Center, apparently lost balance while unclipping his bike shoe, fell into brush and was bitten on the leg.
Police said there is no criminal investigation, even as Hernandez’s family has publicly questioned the handling of his medical care.
CDC data show 7,000 to 8,000 U.S. snake bites each year cause only about five deaths, and Irvine police said the city has not recorded a rattlesnake bite in at least a decade.
Orange County officials used the case to urge hikers and bikers to stay on marked trails, wear protective clothing, carry a charged phone and call 911 immediately after any bite.