Updated 8:09 p.m. with information about crash and injuries:
The bicycle that a Temecula teacher was riding on an outing with a Murrieta club may have blown a tire, a family friend told Patch.
Randy Pruett's bike slid on a small downslope while on Rice Canyon Road Saturday, hitting a tree hard with his body, the friend told Patch.
He suffered severe injuries to his spleen, liver and intestines, the friend said.
Pruett was admitted to Palomar Medical Center with internal bleeding from abdominal injuries, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's office.
He lost a lot of blood -- and needed transfusions -- and the family is trying to arrange a blood donation drive in return, the friend said.
Updated 7:21 p.m. with memorial service info:
Information on memorial services for a Temecula teacher who died of injuries suffered during a group bike ride was posted on Facebook by his family.
A service and reception for Randy Pruett are set for 10 a.m. Monday at Sunridge Community Church, 42299 Winchester Rd.
To read notes from friends and colleagues and for information regarding events planned to mark Pruett's passing, please click here.
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Updated 6:41 p.m. with memorial ride info:
A Temecula resident and Temecula school district teacher who died of injuries suffered when his bike struck a tree in San Diego County left for his ride from Jax Bicycle Center, on Margarita Road in Murrieta.
Randy Pruett was on a group ride in Rice Canyon in the Rainbow Valley area when his bike struck a tree and he suffered severe abdominal internal injuries, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office.
The ride was a regular Saturday group ride by bicycle enthusiasts, according to those who knew Pruett.
Jax is sponsoring a Memorial Ride and blood drive, tentatively set for 8 a.m. July 28 at California Oaks Sports Park in Murrieta.
Additionally, a memorial fund has been set up for his wife and daughter. Checks or cash can be brought or mailed to Jax at 26612 Margarita Rd., Murrieta, CA 92562.
For more information, please call 951-239-8239
To read notes from colleagues and get information on the center's plans for the memorial, please click here.
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Updated 3:47 p.m. with quote from colleague:
A Temecula resident and teacher in the Temecula school district died this week following a bicycle crash in San Diego County.
Randy Pruett, a mathematics teacher at Margarita Middle School, died Monday as a result of injuries suffered over the weekend in San Diego County, authorities said.
Pruett, 41, was riding on Rice Canyon Road, near Rainbow Valley Road Saturday when for some reason his bike slammed into a tree, according to the San Diego Medical Examiner's office.
An examination of the remains was scheduled for today but Pruett was taken to the hospital for internal abdominal injuries, the M.E. employee said.
"Randy is a colleague of mine at Margarita Middle School and a kindred spirit for cycling," said Lisa Frick. "May he ride in peace."
Officials at the school district expressed sorrow at the teacher's passing.
