'Ride In Peace' Cycling Event Seeks To Honor Memory Of Killed Laguna Beach Doctor

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The Orange County cycling community will come together on Saturday to honor the memory of a Laguna Beach doctor who died in February while riding his bike along Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point.

Residents looking to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Michael Mammone can participate in the "Ride in Peace" memorial on Saturday, March 18.

All cycling groups small and big are encouraged to ride to the event, which will take place at the Leonard Cancer Institute of Mission Viejo at 11 a.m. Cycling groups were asked to plan their own independent rides and converge at the event.

Optional (and free) armbands to be worn the day of the ride can be picked up at Specialized in Costa Mesa or at any one of Rock N Road Cyclery's four Orange County locations.

For residents looking to be a part of the memorial without riding to the event, free parking will be provided on the first three levels of the institute's parking garage.

Dr. Mammone died on Feb. 1 while riding his bike in Dana Point, when a driver struck him in broad daylight before exiting his car and stabbing him. He died of his injuries at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo.

According to friends and family, Dr. Mammone was a loving husband and father known for his infectious joyful energy and his silly jokes.

"He would often bring the family together to enjoy his homemade pizzas, perfect guacamole recipes, and signature cocktails," an obituary for Dr. Mammone read. "Michael’s family will forever cherish the beautiful memories they share with him and will continue to celebrate and honor his wonderful life and legacy."

Family members said Dr. Mammone always had a gift for taking care of others. When he was 18, he took a job as a lifeguard with Los Angeles County while he worked toward a Bachelor's degree from UC San Diego and his medical degree from USC.

In 1996, Dr. Mammone was Medical Board Certified and accepted a position at San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland, where he worked for 20 years.

Ultimately, Dr. Mammone and his wife, Julie, moved to Laguna Beach after he accepted a position in 2010 at Providence Mission Hospital, Laguna Beach.

"Michael was known by his colleagues and patients to be a doctor that humbly took the time to listen to and care for each individual and their needs," the obituary said.

The "Ride in Peace" memorial for Dr. Michael Mammone is set to take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 18 at the Leonard Cancer Institute at Mission Hospital, 27799 Medical Center Road, Mission Viejo.