20-year-old Cal Poly student dies from critical injury sustained in Friday crash

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.– San Luis Obispo Police report that the 20-year-old Cal Poly student Sean Ogawa Hillman has died from injuries sustained in Apr. 21 collision with a pick-up truck.

The 20-year-old was riding his bike when struck by a pick-up truck in the intersection of Grand Fredericks on Friday at 4:33 p.m., according to responding San Luis Obispo Police and Fire Department personnel

Hillman was taken to Sierra Vista Hospital with critical injury and was being treated in the ICU before dying on Monday.

The driver involved did remain on-site at the scene of the crash and cooperated with law enforcement.

SLOPD is investigating the collision. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has additional information is encouraged to contact Sgt. Stradley at (805) 781-7312. 

Cal Poly SLO released the following statement to the student body Monday.

Dear Cal Poly community, 

San Luis Obispo Police and Fire personnel responded to a collision between a vehicle and a bicycle at Grand Avenue and Fredericks Street around 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The university has since been informed that the cyclist was Cal Poly student Sean Hillman. With the permission of Sean’s parents, we are sharing the following information with you.

Sean is a first-year student studying architectural engineering in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design. After Friday’s accident, he was transported to a local trauma center, where he remains on life support. We are deeply saddened to report that he is not expected to survive. The university remains in contact with Sean’s family, and our thoughts are with them and with his friends at this difficult time.

Last night, the Dean of Students hosted a processing session for students in Sean’s residence hall and family. We know that this incident may be traumatizing for members of our campus community, including those who may have witnessed it. With this in mind, we want to offer the following resources and support.

To our students, if you need counseling or crisis support as a result of this event or any other situation, please do not hesitate to use the resources and suggestions listed below: 

- Connect with your social circles and communities – such as family, classmates, department staff, campus offices, and/or faith communities – for support. This can complement any help you might seek in other venues.  

- Attend Campus Health and Wellbeing’s Let’s Talk one-on-one, virtual drop-in sessions this Wednesday and Thursday.

- Seek support at Counseling Services (Building 27) by calling 805-756-2511. Same-day appointments are available for those in urgent need, or schedule a brief screening within a few days.  

- If you need immediate assistance any time of day, call the Crisis Line at 805-756-2511.  

- Need a counselor to come to your group to provide support and resources? Please call Counseling Services at 805-756-2511 and ask to speak with Director Andrea Lawson. You can also email counseling@calpoy.edu.   

- If you have questions or concerns related to missing a class or other academic commitments, these should be addressed directly with your individual instructors.  

- Assistance and support services are also available by contacting the Office of the Dean of Students at 805-756-0327 or deanofstudents@calpoly.edu.   

- Please note: A common reaction to tragedy is to want information. Please be thoughtful and respectful when sharing information with others and on social networking sites.  

For any employees who might need support, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential counseling services to all Cal Poly employees and their families. To speak with a counselor at any time, please call the 24-hour support hotline at 800-367-7474. More information about EAP's confidential services is available at https://afd.calpoly.edu/hr/worklife.asp.  

Please know that we care about each of you and that we are here for you during this difficult time for our community.

Sincerely, 

Jeffrey D. Armstrong, 
President 

Keith B. Humphrey,  
Vice President for Student Affairs