Family Of Beloved Bay Area Coach Killed In Garbage Truck Crash Sues

MENLO PARK, CA — The family of a Menlo Park coach and educator killed by a garbage truck while cycling to work in May, is suing the operating company and the driver of the garbage truck for wrongful death, the family's attorney announced Wednesday.

At a Wednesday afternoon press conference at the Residence Inn in Menlo Park, attorney Mary Alexander will address the wrongful lawsuit against GreenWaste Recovery, a private waste management company, on the behalf of the family of Dylan Taylor, who died at 30 years old while biking to work at La Entrada Elementary.

“Dylan Taylor was a remarkable educator, coach, and human being who dedicated his life to uplifting young people,” Alexander said. “He was riding his bike in a designated bike lane, on his way to serve his students, when his life was cut short by a careless driver and a company that failed to put proper safety procedures in place. This was not an accident, rather it was a preventable tragedy, and his family deserves justice.”

The lawsuit was filed in the San Mateo County Superior Court Tuesday and names both the driver, Rogelio EspinozaMadriz, and GreenWaste, which owned the truck and employed the driver, according to Alexander.

"The safety and well-being of the communities we serve is central to GreenWaste's mission. We are deeply saddened by this accident and offer our condolences to all those affected. GreenWaste does not comment on pending litigation. We are taking this matter seriously and are continuing to cooperate fully with local authorities to support their investigation," said Sarah Cafasso, GreenWaste director of marketing and communications.

The lawsuit claims the garbage truck driver made an unsafe turn without yielding to Taylor, who was riding in the bike lane. The lawsuit also alleges the waste management company didn't adequately train the driver and allowed unsafe practices.

Atherton Police officers said they responded to a reported crash involving a garbage truck and a bicyclist, identified as Taylor, at around 7:40 a.m. on May 7 near the intersection of Prior Lane and Middlefield Road in Atherton.

EspinozaMadriz was driving a garbage truck southbound on Middlefield Road near the intersection of Prior Lane and Middlefield Road in Atherton, police said. Taylor was riding to the right of the truck in the bike lane, according to the Atherton Police Department.

EspinozaMadriz turned right westbound onto Prior Lane in front of Taylor, causing Taylor to crash into the passenger side door and subsequently fall to the ground, the lawsuit claims.

EspinozaMadriz then drove the truck over Taylor’s body causing significant internal injuries that ultimately led to his death, the complaint stated.

Taylor was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after, police said.

Officers said the driver of the garbage truck remained at the scene and cooperated with police. There was no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved, police said.

The lawsuit claims that EspinozaMadriz failed to give right of way to Taylor and failed to stop the truck after the initial collision.

The California Highway Patrol found EspinozaMadriz was at fault for the collision, concluding he performed an unsafe turning movement, the complaint stated.

EspinozaMadriz was driving a 2021 white and green Freightliner garbage truck at the time, according to the lawsuit. A fully loaded Freightliner garbage truck typically weighs 40,000 to 60,000 pounds and can be around 25 tons when full, the complaint stated.

During the Wednesday press conference, Taylor's parents spoke about their child and his passion for his community. The talked about the overwhelming support they received at his memorial.

"When he had a memorial, there was standing room only at the community center, 10 people deep, trying to get into the room to show their respect for this man who was so beloved," said his mother Kristy Roos-Taylor.

They spoke about how he was a beloved uncle and that he loved Pokemon.

"He was a helper. He was kind and loving, and he was just a big teddy bear of a man," Roos-Taylor said.

His parents said Taylor was very social and often hosted game nights and draft parties for the NFL.

“Dylan’s death sent shockwaves through the Menlo-Atherton community and beyond,” Alexander said. “He was a fixture in the lives of countless students and families. This lawsuit is about honoring his legacy and sending a clear message: companies that operate dangerous vehicles in our neighborhoods must be held accountable when they put lives at risk.”

Taylor was a staff member at Menlo Park City School District from November 2020 until October 2024, serving as a paraeducator for students with special needs, according to a MPCSD newsletter from May 16.

"One thing everyone noticed about Dylan was how much he loved his job and how great he was at doing it. With a ready smile, he was encouraging, compassionate, and kind to every person. He always went the extra mile to make sure his students knew how special they are and strived to give them a sense of belonging," the newsletter stated.

Prior to joining the MPCSD staff team, Dylan grew up in the community and attended MPCSD schools.

PE teacher and athletic director Nick Fogel said, “Dylan’s work extends far beyond the classroom and playing field/court. He had an energy about him that was hard to not love and want to be a part of. Dylan loved to see people grow, overcome adversity, and was the biggest cheerleader at events, games, theatrical and musical performances, and any and all achievements.”

MPCSD Superintendent Kristen Gracia was his teacher earlier in her career.

“I had the pleasure of having Dylan as a first grade student in my class and then the privilege of seeing him thrive as an adult here in our community as a paraeducator, coach, and friend to so many people. Dylan will be incredibly missed and our community is heartbroken by his loss,” Gracia said.

Taylor was a beloved athletics coach for Hillview Middle School, Las Lomitas Elementary School and Menlo-Atherton High School. He started a frisbee club that met Sunday evenings at Burgess Park, the newsletter stated.

Taylor's parents said at the press conference that the frisbee league has been renamed the Dylan Taylor Ultimate Frisbee league.

“He is the most genuine and overall good person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I feel lucky to call him a friend. He will be missed at Hillview forever," Fogel said.