Cyclist Hit, Stabbed To Death Recognized As California Doctor

Authorities reported that a doctor from California died after being stabbed by the driver of a car after being struck by it while riding his bicycle.

According to a press release from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Dr. Michael J. Mammone, 58, was struck from behind on the Pacific Coast Highway near Dana Point at roughly 3 p.m. on February 1.

The driver, the 39-year-old Vanroy E. Smith, allegedly exited his car after that and started attacking Mammone, a doctor at Providence Mission Hospital in Laguna Beach, with a knife.

When Smith approached Mammone, he also allegedly had a BB gun. He then reportedly assaulted Mammone in the intersection, where Mammone was discovered with “serious injuries,” according to CBS News.

Before deputies arrived and apprehended Smith, witnesses were able to hold him, according to the authorities. Smith was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to the Orange County Jail.

It’s unclear now whether Smith has filed a plea or hired a lawyer to represent him.

Authorities claimed they found the knife he allegedly brought out at the scene. It’s not known if a gun was found.

Shortly after, the sheriff’s office reported that Mammone had been declared dead at a nearby hospital.

Authorities have not discussed the men’s intentions or if they knew one another.

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“Investigators are keeping all options open to check those boxes, if you will, to make sure they don’t leave anything uncovered,” Orange County Sheriff’s Sgt. Mike Woodruff told KTLA.

A statement from Providence Mission Hospital on Thursday confirmed Mammone’s passing.

“The entire Mission Hospital family is grieving over the loss of an incredible physician and friend,” the statement read, per KTLA. “We will honor Dr. Mammone’s dedication to our community and passion for medicine by continuing to provide exceptional care.”

A cardiologist at the hospital, Dr. Dawn Aatwal, told Fox 11 that Mammone “saved so many lives here,” adding how the violence took place close to his employment.

“That’s the irony of this whole thing,” she said. “If a patient were brought in his condition, he would have done everything he could to save that person.”

Dr. Michael J. Mammone has more than two decades of medical experience, according to his U.S. News & World Report profile.