Driver charged in Los Altos Hills crash that left bicyclist dead

LOS ALTOS HILLS – A driver who hit and killed a bicyclist earlier this year in Los Altos Hills is facing a vehicular manslaughter charge after an investigation determined he was distracted, according to authorities.

The fatal collision happened Feb.13 on Foothill Expressway, north of Old Oak Court.

The bicyclist died of her injuries at the scene. She was identified as Maria Jabon, 38, of Los Altos.

The driver – identified as Mesfin Mekonnen, 64, of Santa Clara – remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.

Detectives with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office went on to obtain “crucial evidence that indicated the driver was distracted and swerved into the bicycle lane and struck the bicyclist,” agency spokesperson Brooks Jaroz said in a news release Tuesday.

On Aug. 6, the district attorney’s office charged Mekonnen with one count of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, according to online court records. Jaroz said Mekonnen surrendered on Friday and was booked into the Main Jail in San Jose.

Anyone with information related to the case can contact the traffic investigation unit at 408-868-6600.

Check back for updates.