From the Topeka Capital-Journal:
A bicyclist sustained fatal injuries Saturday night while riding along westbound US-24 highway near N.W. Goodyear Road, sheriff’s officials said.
Shawnee County sheriff’s Cpl. Eric Frey said deputies were called about 9:50 p.m. to an accident involving a sport utility vehicle and a bicycle in the 1900 block of N.W. US-24.
Frey said at 10:45 p.m. that investigators were still gathering information, but confirmed one person died after being struck by the white Toyota 4-Runner at the scene. Frey said multiple occupants were in the SUV but none were transported for injuries.
Topeka police and troopers with the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted sheriff’s personnel into the early morning. Investigators used flashlights to search about 250 yards of dark highway, just west of the Goodyear Road overpass. The passenger side grille and hood of the Toyota were damaged.
Frey said it wasn’t known if the bicycle was in the lane of traffic when it was struck. He said it’s legal to ride a bicycle along the highway. “It’s only illegal on a full-control highway, like Interstate 70,” he said. [read more]
It seems details are still sketchy at this point. No word on whether the cyclist was using lights or reflective gear. No word on whether the motorist will face any charges.
We’ll update as more information is released….
Update, 2009-06-15 1:30pm: WIBW says: “Law enforcement has been unable to find the family of the victim, so no identification can be released at this time. He is a white male. The Toyota 4-Runner overtook the cyclist from the rear. It has been reported by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office the bicyclist did not have any lights or reflectors on the bike.”
Update, 2009-06-16 3:19pm: Victim identified as Michael Anthony Ebron, 48 [read more]
Post tags: Topeka
