Local News
Dan Canniff of “2DownDan” Killed in Fatal Motorcycle Crash at El Cajon Boulevard Intersection in San Diego
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — A 28-year-old motorcyclist and social media content creator identified as Dan Canniff, known online as “2DownDan,” was killed Friday afternoon in a crash involving a sedan in San Diego’s El Cerrito neighborhood, according to authorities.
The fatal collision occurred around 12:56 p.m. near the intersection of El Cajon Boulevard and 56th Street, according to the San Diego Police Department.
Investigators said a 22-year-old woman driving a 2019 Toyota sedan was traveling westbound on El Cajon Boulevard and attempting to make a left turn onto 56th Street while operating with a green traffic signal.
At the same time, Dan Canniff was riding eastbound on El Cajon Boulevard on his Kawasaki Ninja 500 motorcycle, also with a green signal, when the motorcycle collided with the front passenger side of the Toyota.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene and transported Canniff to a local hospital for emergency treatment.
Despite lifesaving efforts, authorities said he later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
The driver of the Toyota sedan was also taken to a hospital and treated for minor injuries.
Canniff was widely recognized online through his “2DownDan” social media accounts, where he shared motorcycle riding videos and content featuring his Kawasaki Ninja 500.
News of his death prompted an outpouring of grief from followers, fellow riders, and members of the motorcycle community.
Police stated that alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the collision.
The San Diego Police Department Traffic Division is leading the ongoing investigation into the fatal crash.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has additional information to contact Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
The deadly motorcycle accident caused traffic disruptions in the area Friday afternoon as investigators processed the scene and gathered evidence related to the crash.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.