Goodyear PD: 2 dead, 11 cyclists hospitalized after being hit by pickup truck

GOODYEAR, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — Two cyclists are dead, and 11 others are seriously hurt after being hit by a pickup truck on a busy highway in the West Valley early Saturday.

Initial reports of a vehicle versus bicyclist crash came in around 8 a.m. According to Goodyear police, the incident happened near the Cotton Lane Bridge, next to the MC-85. Emergency crews described the victims as having “very serious injuries.” Early reports indicated ten ambulances being called to the scene, but at least two were rushed moments after the crash. Authorities later said that one cyclist, a woman, was pronounced dead at the scene, while a second rider died at an area hospital.

In an update, Goodyear police spokesperson Lisa Berry said the driver, identified only as a man, stayed at the scene and was cooperating with authorities. Fire officials confirmed that they were treating multiple injuries at the crash scene, but 11 others remained in area hospitals, including Abrazo West, to be further treated. At this time, it’s unclear if speed or impairment were factors in the crash as the investigation is still in the very early stages.

Cotton Lane was closed in both directions from the circle at Estrella Parkway to MC-85 as officers investigated the incident. The roads have since reopened. Hours later, a crash was reported near the Estrella intersection that involved five cars and left at least one person seriously hurt.

The crash is resonating with the cycling communities in Arizona. “These are individuals that are finding a way to be healthy and to be out there with friends. And now there are people that aren’t coming home,” said John Hogen, vice president of the Rob Dollar Foundation. The non-profit was created after Rob Dollar, a cyclist, was killed while riding his bike in 2017 in Phoenix. He was training for his next race. Dollar was Hogen’s best friend. “Anytime this happens, it’s a flashback. Our heart is going to those families because we know the pain they’re feeling,” said Hogen.

Hogen said Dollar was talking about raising awareness and safety for cyclists just days before he was killed. “It’s everybody playing a part in doing their best as seeing everybody as a human. That it is more than a bike. It’s a life that you’re affecting,” he said.

He said riders should also take safety precautions when hitting the roads, but everyone should practice patience and respect to prevent more lives from being lost. “The tragedy that everybody is feeling right now is something that nobody should have to feel. They shouldn’t have to deal with the emotion and the frustration of not seeing their loved one come home while they’re out doing something in our beautiful state,” he said.

Hogen said the Rob Dollar Foundation website includes information on road laws for bicyclists and motorists.

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