The Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) is continuing its investigation into the traffic-related death of a 67-year-old U.S. citizen identified by the last name Vangerov, who was killed Friday morning in Puntarenas Province.

According to authorities, the accident occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m. as Vangerov was walking along the shoulder of the Costanera Sur Highway near Ballena Bay in Osa Canton.

Investigators said Vangerov, who had been a legal resident of Costa Rica for more than eight years, was struck by the wheelchair vertical platform lift attached to a passing bus.

A wheelchair platform lift is a powered device designed to raise a wheelchair and its occupant over a step or other vertical barrier.

Preliminary reports indicate that the platform lift was deployed on the outside of the bus while it was in motion for reasons that remain under investigation.

The bus was traveling from Uvita Beach to Dominical Beach when the extended lift struck Vangerov as he walked alongside the roadway, authorities added.

Red Cross paramedics coordinated with local police and OIJ investigators at the scene. Vangerov's body was transported to the Judicial Morgue facilities in Heredia for a forensic examination.

The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not released additional details, saying information about the case is being withheld while investigators continue their work. Officials said only the victim's immediate family members are authorized to request further information.

Following the fatal accident, American rock band Liquid Blue released a statement on social media expressing condolences and identifying Vangerov as a former member of the group.

According to the band's statement, Vangerov, known by the nickname "The Groveler," served as Liquid Blue's lead guitarist from 1995 to 2015 and was the band's head of sound and production from its founding in 1995.

"With his boots, top hat, long beard, and short stature, Michael was one of the most distinctive and memorable members of Liquid Blue during our early years," the band said.

The band said Vangerov performed in more than 100 countries and 800 cities during his years with Liquid Blue.

Liquid Blue also announced it is considering holding a musical tribute to Vangerov in Costa Rica.

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica provides guidance and assistance to families of U.S. citizens who die abroad, whether they were visiting or residing in the country.

"The Consular Section can provide information on funeral homes that arrange local burials or prepare remains for shipment to the United States," the embassy states on its website. "The Consular Section also issues a Consular Report of Death Abroad, serving as a U.S. death certificate for legal purposes."

The embassy notes that it does not pay funeral, repatriation or burial expenses for Americans who die overseas. However, family members are not required to travel to Costa Rica to make arrangements. Embassy personnel can assist by coordinating with local authorities and service providers on the family's behalf.

For additional information, the U.S. Embassy can be reached at 506-2519-2590 or 506-2519-2093. An after-hours emergency line is available at 506-2519-2000.

The OIJ, a division of Costa Rica's Supreme Court of Justice, is responsible for conducting criminal investigations throughout the country. OIJ officers have nationwide law enforcement authority.

----------