Rafael Barragan Death, Obituary – On Friday, officials from Mt. San Antonio College were able to identify the deceased victim who was determined to be a 63-year-old male. The incident occurred on the college campus in Southern California and was described by the authorities as an intentional crime. In the university parking lot in Walnut, which is located in the eastern part of Los Angeles County, Rafael Barragan Jr. was struck and killed by a vehicle. According to what the college president wrote in an email, he drove a tram for students with disabilities. Around 7:30 in the morning on Thursday, in the 1100 block of North Grand Avenue, Barragan was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle that struck him was sent to a local medical facility after the collision. Barragan, who was known as Ralph on campus, was apparently struck on purpose by the car, according to the officials of the sheriff’s department. Bill Scroggins, who serves as the president and chief executive officer of the college, issued a statement on Friday.
“It is with terrible grief that I convey the news that we have lost one of our campus’ brilliant lights: Ralph Barragan,” Scroggins stated. “It is with deep sorrow that I share the news that we have lost one of our campus’ dazzling lights.” “Ralph passed away early on Thursday morning after he was run over by a car outside of Building 9A. The incident is being looked into by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which is looking into the potential that it was an intentional act. As new information becomes available, we will be sure to keep you updated. This is the most heartbreaking thing that could ever happen on our campus. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Ralph’s family and the innumerable friends he had throughout the years. In July of 2007, Barragan started working for ACCESS, a program that assists children who have disabilities, as a tram driver. After 23 years of service as a bus driver for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, he decided to further his education at Mount San Antonio College.
Barragan provided transportation to students with disabilities who needed it to reach any location on campus. Scroggins said that Ralph had a high profile on campus and was known for his graciousness, popularity, and respect. Following the accident, the ACCESS Office was closed, and it stayed that way on Friday as well. Scroggins stated that counseling and support services were made available to all those who were a part of the campus community. According to a statement made by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in a press release, “The traffic collision looks to be an intentional act.” It was unclear what led to the collision, and the authorities had not yet disclosed the reason why they were investigating it as a possible intentional crash.
On Friday, the authorities named 38-year-old James Milliken as the person they believe to be responsible for the fatal crash. It was not immediately known whether or whether he has a lawyer representing him. According to officials of Mount San Antonio College, Milliken began working for the school on a part-time basis in October of 2016. The month of his termination from the company was September 2021. Additionally, he was a student, beginning his academic career in the Summer of 2010 and continuing his education until the Spring of 2018. The Homicide Bureau of the Sheriff’s Department can be reached at 323-890-5500, and Crime Stoppers can be reached at 800-222-TIPS if anyone has any information regarding the case.