By Lookout Staff

May 16, 2011 – A 48-year-old former model and personal trainer at Gold's Gym died Thursday after being struck by a driver while she was riding her motorcycle in Santa Monica on May 7.

After being treated at the scene of the accident, Sandy DeSoto was taken to a local hospital where she was kept on life support until Thursday, police say.

A 74-year-old tourist from New Jersey was going south on Ocean Avenue when he decided to reverse directions by making an illegal U-turn. He didn't see DeSoto, who ran into his driver's side door and was thrown onto the pavement, according to police spokesman Sgt. Richard Lewis.

Both the driver and the victim were under the influence of alcohol, police determined. The driver was booked on suspicion of drunken driving, and was released pending charges, according to press reports.

DeSoto is survived by her mother and a brother, who live in Southern California.

The Santa Monica Police Department is continuing its investigation into the collision.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Chris Dawson at 310-458-8954 or Sergeant Jeff Wiles at 310 458-8950 or the Santa Monica Police Department (24 hours) at 310 458-8495.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME, or submit the tip online at www.wetip.com. You will remain completely anonymous and may be eligible for a reward, up to $1,000.00, if your information leads to an arrest and conviction.

Callers can also contact Crime Stoppers by either calling (800) 222-TIPS, texting from your mobile, or by visiting their website at www.lacrimestoppers.org. Callers may remain anonymous and may be qualified to receive a $1,000.00 reward by Crime Stoppers.