MIDDLEBURG, Fla. – A bicyclist was struck and killed by a vehicle early Wednesday afternoon in Middleburg, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers identified the bicyclist as Sivalingam Kumaravailu, 69, of Middleburg.
The Highway Patrol and the Clay County Sheriff's Office responded just before 2 p.m. to the deadly crash, which shut down County Road 218 near Pine Tree Lane for several hours.
According to a Highway Patrol report, a maroon GMC Envoy was at a complete stop on Pine Street and the bicyclist was traveling east on the northbound side of C.R. 218. Troopers said the driver of the SUV -- an 80-year-old Middleburg woman -- then made a right turn onto C.R. 218 when, for unknown reasons, the bicyclist entered the path of travel of the SUV and was fatally struck.
Troopers said the driver of the SUV stopped and is cooperating with the investigation.
The Highway Patrol report noted the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet.
Jo Wright, who said she had known the bicyclist for a long time, arrived at the scene five minutes after the crash happened. She said the speed limit is 35 mph in the area, but she feels it’s dangerous for people on bicycles.
"For me, I like to move over when I see one because I have seen too many," she said. "But this is the worst I have have seen come across."
At this point, charges are pending, according to the Highway Patrol.
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