According to the Augusta Gazette:
A truck and a bicycle collided in the 11000 block of SW 70th, outside Augusta, Saturday evening.
Sheriff’s deputies found Harvey M. Furlow, rural Augusta, was driver of a westbound truck on the roadway.Furlow said he was driving the truck on SW 70th west of Santa Fe Lake Road against the sun around 5:14 p.m. when he observed the westbound bicyclist in front of him.
Katharine E. Wencel, Wichita, the bicyclist, suffered Code Red injuries and was taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment of the life-threatening injuries.
According to a sheriff’s office report, Wencel was bleeding from the nose and the ears and also complained of pain in the rib area.
She was dismissed from the Wichita hospital on Sunday.
No word on any charges against the driver for apparently running the cyclist down from behind.
Get well soon, Katharine!
Post tags: Augusta, Inattentive Driving
A bit of additional info from the El Dorado Times: “Upon arrival, deputies found Harvey M. Furlow, 53, of Augusta, had been driving west on SW 70th from Santa Fe Lake Road when, at the last second, he observed Katharine Wencel, 24, of Wichita, riding a bicycle on the edge of the road in front of him. Furlow said he was unable to avoid the bicyclist and struck her causing her to go into the north ditch. Furlow also stated the sun was in his eyes.“
Here’s an update on Katharine Wencel’s condition, shared by a reader: “Katharine Wencel had successful surgery to repair her broken pelvis. She’s having surgery this am to set her arm. She’s apparently got a cast on her broken leg. Physical therapy has started and she’ll transfer to VC Rehab hospital later this week. Her mom reports she’s in good spirits despite significant pain.“