Last Updated on May 18, 2021 by CCAR Staff
Authorities have identified a motorcyclist who died in a rear-end collision early Sunday, May 16, in Riverside along with the driver who allegedly struck him while driving intoxicated.
The rider of the Harley-Davidson was identified as 55-year-old James Maloney of Corona, according to the Riverside County Coroner’s Office.
Maloney was rear-ended by a Ford truck at about 2:18 a.m. while driving west on Indiana Avenue. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Riverside police and fire crews at 2:29 a.m., according to the Coroner’s Office.
The Ford’s driver, Gordon Richard Longhitano, 52, from Riverside, remained at the scene and cooperated with officers, according to Officer Ryan Railsback.
Longhitano allegedly had a blood-alcohol content three times over the legal limit, and was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, Officer Javier Cabrera said.
Patricia Maloney-Ishee, Maloney’s only sister, said she wanted people to know that he was the “best big brother anyone could ask for.” The two would speak on a daily basis, according to Shar Ishee, Patricia’s wife.
“Jim was a friend to everyone and would give the shirt off his back to anyone,” Ishee said.
The mother of Maloney and his sister also died in a motorcycle crash when both were only four and five years old, according to Ishee.
Maloney’s sister wanted to remind people to not drink and drive, watch for motorcycles and to remember that “life is precious.”
Maloney is survived by Patricia as well as his two sons.
Longhitano posted $75,000 bail on Monday, according to Cabrera.
