A San Francisco cyclist who broke 24 bones and suffered brain damage after being hit by a truck three years ago recently died from the injuries.
Renata Gonzalez, 30, whose name means “rebirth,” died at her parents’ home in San Antonio on Feb. 5 after “staying with us as long as she could,” her mother said. She had become immobile, but her family said her magnetism still shone through.
“Just by her blinking, we could see clearly what she was thinking and feeling,” said her mother, Barbara Gonzalez.
Renata was riding up Market Street to the California College of the Arts when a pickup struck her at Octavia Boulevard.
“That Friday, she had a performance titled ‘Rebirth,’ but then she was injured,” Barbara said.
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The family is still haunted by financial burdens from the accident. Renata’s brother has to repay $44,000 in loans he co-signed so his sister could pursue art school.
Renata’s family and friends will hold a fundraiser, Rebirth of Renata, at 111 Minna St. for $20 a person on June 23.
They will sell copies of her paintings, have a DJ and hold a raffle. So far, more than 60 people are planning to attend.
The driver, 40-year-old San Francisco resident Tom Moulas, fled the scene of the accident but turned himself in about two hours later. District Attorney spokesman Seth Steward said his office is considering whether Renata’s death would reopen the case.
