A man in Orlando, a veteran with the Marine Corps, was partially paralyzed in a car accident when he was ejected from his vehicle. His injuries left him unable to use his left side properly.
To help with his recovery, he had a special bicycle made with two wheels on the back. He could ride it despite his condition, and he did so often. He talked about just how helpful it was during his recovery, both from a mental and physical standpoint.
Tragically, the man passed away on Saturday, July 27. He was out riding the specialized bike when a car drifted into the bike lane. This was close to the Orlando International Airport, on Heintzelman Boulevard.
Emergency crews responded and took him to the Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC). He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Orlando Police Department (OPD) noted in a statement that he was the first person in Orlando to pass away in a cycling accident in 2019. They also said that the driver who hit him stayed at the accident scene. The investigation into the fatal collision is ongoing.
Other area cyclists were so inspired by the way the man lived his life that they are planning a tribute to him. A special ride will be held in his honor.
Whenever a cyclist passes away, it’s always tragic and heartbreaking for family members left behind. While financial compensation cannot take that away, it may help to reduce the financial stress they feel during this tough period in their lives, so they need to know what options they have.
