BRADENTON, Fla. — A cyclist was struck and killed early Tuesday while riding in a designated bike lane near 53rd Avenue West and 66th Street West.
The incident occurred on May 16 at approximately 4:30 a.m. Authorities reported that a BMW entered the bike lane and collided with Craig Prather, 48, who died at the scene.
Emergency responders from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and local fire services attended the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains unclear if the driver will face charges.
Prather was an experienced cyclist, well-known in the local cycling community. Friends highlighted his commitment to safety, stating he regularly rode in low-traffic hours and utilized safety gear.
Witnesses reported that the road conditions were clear at the time of the crash. A friend of Prather, Richard Traugott, recorded video footage to assess visibility on the road during the early morning hours.
Notably, Prather had survived a cardiac arrest while cycling the same route less than six months earlier. Friends recounted the event, stating that quick action from bystanders and emergency services ultimately saved his life at that time.
A spokesperson for FHP reiterated that the incident remains under investigation.