Rebecca Allen and Jennifer Garvey were out for an early-morning ride in Fort Collins, Colorado when they were struck by a 2004 Saab driven by a 20-year-old man suspected of drinking and driving.
Both cyclists were wearing helmets and riding in the bike lane. The Saab struck both bicycles from behind, say Fort Collins police.
Allen, age 32, was taken to a local hospital where she died of her injuries. Garvey, 36, was also taken to a hospital where she was treated for serious injuries.
Police questioned and arrested Daniel Price of Fort Collins on suspicion of driving under the influence. He was taken to the hospital for blood tests to determine his alcohol level. Police said additional charges against Price are pending as the investigation continues.
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Daniel Price has been charged with vehicular homicide in the death of Rebecca Allen. Additional charges are pending and the case remains under investigation
Rebecca Allen’s killer has pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide; the maximum sentence is 12 years and a $750,000 fine. Daniel Price’s sentencing hearing is January 16th. Guilty plea in cyclist death.
01/16/2009 Daniel Price, a 21-year-old Fort Collins man who pleaded guilty in November to vehicular homicide in the death of 32-year-old cyclist Rebecca Allen, was sentenced to eight years in prison today.
There were more than 60 people in District Court Judge Jolene Blair’s courtroom for the hearing, forcing some people to stand.
Price, who had “R. Allen” tattooed on his wrist, had numerous supporters in the courtroom, as did Allen, whose supporters are wearing bicycle pins.
Price was also sentenced to five years of parole, to be served after the prison sentence, and two years of probation, which will be served concurrently with the parole.
It is possible Price will not serve the entire eight years of his prison sentence. The Department of Corrections will determine if he will be released before the completion of the eight years.
Allen, who worked in the journalism department at CSU, was killed early July 22 when a car driven by then 20-year-old Price hit Allen and her cycling partner Jennifer Garvey near the intersection of West Drake Road and Moore Lane. Garvey was injured in the crash but survived.
Blood tests showed Price’s blood-alcohol limit was above the legal level for someone old enough to drink, which Price was not.
Price was expected to receive the sentence as part of his plea.
Thanks for the update, Mark.