Teen bicyclist killed in 'Ride to Conquer Cancer' fundraising event
ARLINGTON, Wash. -- A 16-year old bicyclist participating in a two-day charity fundraising ride was killed Sunday morning in an accident in Arlington.
The boy from Victoria, B.C., was with a group riding on a two-lane road around 9:20 a.m. when he fell off his bicycle, Arlington spokeswoman Kristin Banfield said. A car coming in the opposite direction could not stop in time and ran over the boy.
The accident happened on Smokey Point Boulevard and 204th Street Northeast, Banfield said.
The driver of the car was a 50-year old Arlington woman; Banfield said that the woman was cooperating fully with investigators and there were no signs that she was impaired.
The Ride to Conquer Cancer started in Vancouver, B.C., on Saturday and ended in Redmond Sunday. Banfield said that approximately 3,000 riders were participating.
Doug Nelson, president and chief executive officer of the B.C. Cancer Foundation said, "All of those who are associated with The Ride to Conquer Cancer have been deeply saddened by this news and our thoughts and prayers are with the rider's family and friends.
"I have personally spoken with the family and shared my condolences, and they ask for privacy at this time ... This has been a very sad day for The Ride community and our supporters," he said.
The family asked that the boy's identity not be made public.