NAPA, CA – A devastating incident in Napa Valley resulted in the untimely deaths of a married couple from Portland, both of whom held executive positions at Nike. Christian and Michelle Deaton were fatally struck by dislodged lumber from a passing truck while they were enjoying a bike ride on the Silverado Trail.
The couple was cycling when a flatbed truck, traveling at an estimated speed of 40 mph, attempted to pass them. The load of lumber on the truck shifted, causing some of the wood to extend over the truck’s end and hit the Deatons. Christian, aged 52, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Michelle, 48, later died at the hospital, as confirmed by the Napa County Sheriff’s Office.
The truck driver, a 55-year-old man from Vallejo, stayed at the scene during the investigation. It remains unclear whether he will face any criminal charges in relation to the incident.
Friends remembered the Deatons, who were married for 21 years, as an energetic, adventurous couple who had a passion for travel and physical activities. Michelle was known for her strength, her infectious laughter, and her readiness for new experiences. Christian was fondly remembered for his love of music and his spontaneous performances.
Christian held the position of vice president of product and merchandising at Nike Swim, while Michelle was an EQ design studio director. The couple lived in a high-end penthouse apartment in Portland. They were in Napa as part of a two-week road trip that included concerts and stops in California and Las Vegas.