Tragic Death of Coach Christopher Brignetti
The recent death of Christopher Brignetti, a 54-year – old coach at Terra Linda High School, has shocked the community after a tragic traffic collision during a bike ride. This incident occurred on a Saturday afternoon when Brignetti was riding east on Manuel T. Freitas Parkway and collided with a vehicle making a left turn onto Lea Drive. Following the accident, he was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Investigation and Driver Status
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. According to San Rafael police, there is no suspicion of intoxication, and the driver, who remains unnamed, has not been arrested and is not expected to face charges. This lack of action raises questions about accountability in road safety, especially in light of the intersection’s troubling history.
Collision History at Intersection
The intersection of Freitas Parkway and Lea Drive has a concerning record, with four reported collisions involving vehicles and bicyclists from 2018 to
2023. Each incident involved a bicyclist riding downhill before being struck by a driver turning left uphill. A notably severe accident in 2007 left a cyclist in a prolonged coma. The Marin County Bicycle Coalition has highlighted that proactive safety measures could have potentially prevented Brignetti’s death, stating, “Some crashes are genuinely hard to predict or prevent — this is not one of those crashes.”

Community Response and Safety Measures
In response to the incident, the Marin County Bicycle Coalition has called for an emergency safety assessment of the intersection, urging the city to narrow travel lanes, stripe buffered bike lanes, and extend the nearby median. Local resident and friend Sarah Roth emphasized the dangers of the intersection, which is obscured by shrubbery and trees, making it hard for drivers to see oncoming cyclists. The community is demanding action, believing that had the city acted on prior incidents, this tragedy could have been avoided.

Remembering Coach Brignetti
Brignetti was not just a coach; he was a beloved figure in the cycling community, known for his enthusiasm and dedication to the sport. Sarah Roth described him as a “positive light” who inspired the young cyclists he coached. Friends and family have set up a GoFundMe page to support his wife and children, which has already raised around $66, 000 toward its $100, 000 goal.
Fact Status
Claim | Status | Evidence |
---|---|---|
Driver not suspected of intoxication | Verified | Police report |
History of collisions at intersection | Verified | Marin County Bicycle Coalition |
GoFundMe page for Brignetti’s family | Verified | GoFundMe page |
