Alumna hit, friend killed in collision

By Troy Simpson

A Santa Clara graduate was injured and her boyfriend killed Sunday morning while bicycling in Sonoma County, highway patrol officials said.

Alumna Jill Mason, 26, and Alan Liu, 31, were struck by a car while cycling on Highway 12. Mason was hospitalized for her injuries, but Liu died at the scene, reports stated.

Police say that Harvey Hereford, 69, of Santa Rosa, hit the couple. Authorities arrested Hereford on suspicion of driving under the influence, but released him after he posted bail.

Mason remains in critical condition at the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, spokeswoman Robin Welling said. She would not elaborate on her condition.

Mason is remembered by those who spent time with her while she attended Santa Clara.

"All I remember is that she was just in every away a beautiful person full of life," said English professor Jeffrey Zorn, her academic advisor. "I'm just heartbroken and wishing that she's going to be okay."

Mason and Liu had been dating for six months and were training for the May 1 Wildflower 1/2-Ironman competition at Lake San Antonio when the collision occurred, The Associated Press reported.

Witnesses told authorities that Hereford first struck Liu and then drove approximately 100 feet further down the road before hitting Mason, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Mason graduated from Santa Clara with a degree in English and also played on the women's lacrosse team.

û Contact Troy Simpson at (408) 554-4546 or tsimpson@scu.edu.