(TheRedAlertNews.com) – In a tragic incident in Napa Valley, a Portland-based married couple, both of whom held executive positions at Nike, were killed. As reported by local sources, they were struck by lumber that fell off a passing truck while they were cycling.
Christian and Michelle Deaton were cycling along the Silverado Trail just outside Napa around 11 a.m. As they rode, a flatbed truck attempted to overtake them, moving at an estimated speed of 40 mph, detailed by The Oregonian. As the truck passed by, the lumber it was carrying shifted, causing some of it to protrude from the truck’s end. This resulted in the Deatons getting hit by the wood.
Tragically, Christian, aged 52, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Michelle, 48, succumbed to her injuries at a nearby hospital, confirmed by the Napa County Sheriff’s Office.
The driver of the truck, a 55-year-old man from Vallejo, cooperated with the authorities and remained at the scene for the entirety of the investigation, as noted by NBC. The police have yet to determine if he will face criminal charges.
Friends and acquaintances have been remembering and celebrating the vibrant lives of the Deatons. The couple, married for 21 years, was known for their zest for life, love for travel, and commitment to staying active. “Life was their hobby – there was never a moment where they weren’t going to make the most of it,” remarked Cholee Thompson, a close friend of Michelle’s.
Michelle was described as a spirited individual, often bursting into laughter and always eager for new adventures. On the other hand, Christian had a penchant for music, often seen singing, dancing, or playing air guitar during gatherings with friends. Their mutual affection was evident. “They shared so much love for each other,” said colleague and friend Elizabeth LeMay.
In terms of their professional lives, Christian was vice president of product and merchandising at Nike Swim, while Michelle served as an EQ design studio director. They lived in an upscale penthouse apartment in Portland. The Daily Mail reported that the couple was in Napa as part of an extensive two-week road trip featuring concerts and various stops in California and Las Vegas.
In a touching tribute, Thompson told The Oregonian, “They lived life so big that the hole that they left in all of us is just gaping.”
She continued, “The two of them weren’t perfect, and they always strove to be better,” adding, “But they really were pretty damn close to perfect.”
