Couple die after being hit by lumber from passing truck during bike ride

A Portland couple tragically lost their lives after being hit by lumber that slid off the bed of a passing truck while they were on a bike ride.

As per a local report, Christian and Michelle Deaton had been cycling down the Silverado Trail on the outskirts of Napa Valley at about 11am on Tuesday (17 October).

According to The Oregonian, the 2018 Freightliner three-axle flatbed truck tried to go around them at about 40 mph, with lumber stacked on the back of the vehicle. The lumber shifted to the right and some of it hung off the flatbed.

The news outlet reports that this struck both cyclists, with Napa County Sheriff’s Office confirming Christian, 52, died at the scene, while Michelle, 48, tragically lost her life later on in hospital.

The 55-year-old driver - who has not been identified - remained at the scene during the investigation, according to NBC.

Police have not commented on whether the driver faces any criminal charges.

Meanwhile, friends and family are now mourning the deaths of Christian and Michelle, who were married for 21 years.

Instagram/@christiandeaton

According to tributes, the couple were very adventurous, spending much of their free time traveling and staying physically active.

Cholee Thompson, a friend of Christian and Michelle, said: "Life was their hobby - there was never a moment where they weren’t going to make the most of it."

Cholee was full of praise for Michelle in particular, who she first met on a group vacation.

She told The Oregonian that Michelle loved a good laugh, and was always up for new experiences - whether that be a spontaneous hike, bike ride or a bit of kayaking.

Some of Christian's hobbies included singing, dancing, and he was even known for pulling out the air guitar while he sat around with friends playing his favorite vinyls.

Instagram/@christiandeaton

"They shared so much love for each other,” Elizabeth LeMay, another friend of the couple added.

"They were a couple you come across once in a lifetime."

Carolyn Deaton, Christian's mother, told NBC Bay Area that the couple lived for every moment.

"They were just two peas in a pod," she said. "They just had similar personalities and characteristics and same passions about things."

The devastated mom said the couple both worked at Nike in the Portland area.

A spokesperson for Napa County Sheriff’s Office told UNILAD: "The cause of death is still under investigation."