Bicyclist killed in morning mishap

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The Daily Ardmoreite

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Posted Aug. 14, 2013 at 8:00 AM

Posted Aug. 14, 2013 at 8:00 AM

DAVIS

A Murray County man was killed early Tuesday morning in an accident involving a bicycle and vehicle.

Davis Police Chief Danny Cooper said the accident took place at about 1:47 a.m. on state Highway 7 and state Highway 110. The bicyclist, whose identity is withheld pending notification of relatives, was riding a bicycle eastbound, leaving Davis and heading toward Sulphur.

"The bicycle rider was about four feet into the middle of the outside lane heading eastbound, and it was raining and dark," Cooper said. "He was wearing dark clothing, and did not have reflectors on his bicycle."

Cooper said the man was struck from behind by a ½-ton delivery van because the driver was unable to see him.

"We have a rough estimate the vehicle was traveling 40 to 45 miles per hour, which is lower than the posted 55 miles per hour because of the conditions," Cooper said. "The driver's condition was normal, and he submitted to tests."

The case remains under investigation as the department attempts to determine the condition of the bicyclist. The medical examiner drew blood to determine is there was a blood alcohol content. Cooper said the investigation is ongoing, but there is no indication the driver of the van did anything wrong.

"The driver was in the wrong place at the wrong time," Cooper said. "It was a real unfortunate situation."