Ethan Boyes dead at 44: Champion cyclist killed in road accident after ‘car swerved and hit him’
PROFESSIONAL cyclist and sprinter Ethan Boyes has died after being struck and killed by a car.
Boyes, a 10-time national champion, was riding his bicycle on April 4 when he was struck by a vehicle near the Presidio Golf Course in San Francisco, according to United States Park Police.
He later died of his injuries.
“Several eyewitness accounts shared online, which have been picked up by local media, indicate that Ethan was traveling southbound on Arguello when a car heading northbound swerved across the center line and into the oncoming bike lane,” SF Bicycle Coalition said in a statement.
“The outpouring of sadness on social media speaks to Ethan’s kindness and generosity of spirit,” the coalition said.
The driver of the vehicle suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.
Eyewitness accounts have revealed further details about the accident.
“A speeding car heading north careened into the opposite lane and hit a cyclist,” Stephanie Wald wrote on Nextdoor.
She wrote that the cyclist “slammed headfirst into the windshield.”
A vigil was being held for Boyes on Friday night.
Friends of Boyes have placed a “ghost bike” at the scene of the accident.
A sign placed at the scene claimed that a “drunk driver killed our friend,” per The Independent.
It is unclear if the driver was under the influence.
It is also not yet clear if they will face any charges for the accident.
USA Cycling shared a statement with KRON4 acknowledging Boyes’ death and highlighting his accomplishments, saying they were “deeply saddened” to hear of his passing.
“Ethan was the reigning Masters’ Track World Champion in the Men’s 40-44 Time Trial and Sprint events and part of the winning Team Sprint squad, all earned in Fall 2022,” the statement read.
“In addition, he was a 10-time national champion throughout his cycling career.
“Ethan currently holds the World’s Best Performance record for Men aged 35-39 in the 1,000-meter time trial set in 2015 and several national records.
“Beyond Ethan’s athletic achievements, he was an upstanding member of the American track cycling community.
“His loss will be felt at local, regional, national, and world events for years, as he brought a mixture of competition and friendliness to every race. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
The incident is being investigated by the United States Park Police.