Two cyclists die when hit by truck on rural Baldwin County road
9/4/2007, 10:34 a.m. CDT
The Associated Press
SPANISH FORT, Ala. (AP) — Two bicycle riders were killed when they were hit by a pickup truck whose driver lost control on a curve on a rural Baldwin County road used by cyclists, state troopers said.
Baldwin County Coroner Jim Small identified the victims of Monday's accident as William Frederick Imle, 48, of Daphne and Archie Leroy Clemons Jr., 46, of Spanish Fort.
State troopers said a preliminary investigation revealed Patrick Blake Young Ballard, 19, was coming in the opposite direction just before 9 a.m. Monday when he lost control of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado on a curve and struck the bicyclists. The Silverado then crashed into a ditch and overturned, ejecting Ballard and his 17-year-old female passenger.
Both were taken to University of South Alabama Medical Center for treatment. The passenger was treated and released. Ballard, who was hospitalized Monday for injuries that weren't considered serious, was no longer at the hospital Tuesday, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Trooper spokesman Cpl. Joe Piggott said no charges were filed and the accident remains under investigation.
The accident occurred on Bromley Road, a rural stretch that links Stapleton to Spanish Fort and is marked with signs urging drivers to share the road with cyclists.
"Apparently it's a popular bike route," Piggott said.
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Information from: Press-Register, http://www.al.com/mobileregister
5 comments:
I think another ride of silence is in order. Every time a cyclist gets killed it is only respectful to do so, It is what I would want.
jimbob
This story gets even worse. Two cyclists were killed yesterday near Spanish Fort by a drunk teenager. Turns out he killed another rider in Baldwin County in '05.
Morgan
From AL.com
Teen faces two murder charges after 2005 death of another biker
Posted by David Ferrara September 04, 2007 12:36 PM
Categories: breaking news
A Spanish Fort teen faces two counts of murder after authorities said he killed two bicyclists in an alcohol-induced crash over the holiday weekend.
The charges against Patrick Young Ballard come less than two years after he was charged in the death of another bicyclist.
Authorities said Ballard was drunk and speeding down Bromley Road between Spanish Fort and Daphne on Monday morning when his pickup truck struck and killed William Frederick Imle, 48, of Daphne and Archie Leroy Clemons Jr., 46, of Spanish Fort.
In June 2005, Ballard was charged with manslaughter in the death of Larry McDuff, who had been riding his bicycle in Fairhope.
Ballard is expected to appear in Baldwin County Circuit Court on Wednesday.
re Jim:
Yes. I would like to participate in this ride.
I won't be going to this, so maybe we could have one at the same time?
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The Ride of Silence honoring Art Clemons & Bill Frederick will be held THIS Saturday, September 8th @ 3pm. The start will be at the Bay Minette Court House. The route will be approximately 8 miles long. The pace will be no faster than 12 mph. There will be complete silence during the actual ride. All ages, skill levels are invited to ride.
Our ride will deviate from other Ride of Silence events in that we will be accepting donations / offerings for the families. There is no pressure to give - just if you feel moved to do so...we will have a designated "offering" box at the courthouse.
We have asked the pastor from Spanish Fort Methodist (where Art & Bill attended church) to give a blessing before we ride.
We are also organizing a brief time after the ride where we have invited local county commissioners from both sides of the bay, as well as local mayors, city council members, etc. We would like to make a "statement" with the our elected officials who can help effect change necessary to help make our roads safer.
Please make every effort to attend and show your support for these families as well as safer cycling awareness in our communities.
Forward this email to any riding groups / concerned citizens, etc.
Again, thank you all so much for your support of this ride. My prayer is that this will be a tremendous blessing to the families to see the support of Bill and Art and that some good can come of this senseless tragedy.
LiveSTRONG.. .
Mary Trufant
There was another bike fatality in recent days, this one a bit closer to home: A 15 year old boy from Pisgah (near Scottsboro) was hit while riding his bike on a county road and died in the hospital two days later.
Time for a memorial ride indeed.
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