Law enforcement authorities are looking for a hit-and-run driver who fatally struck a 39-year-old Orlando man while he was riding a bicycle on Orange Avenue in Orlando.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at around 6:25 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20, near the intersection of Orange Avenue and 6th Street.
FHP stated that the bicyclist was pedaling eastbound across the travel lanes of Orange Avenue, south of the 6th Street intersection, shortly before the crash occurred. He was riding his bicycle in front of the hit-and-run vehicle and behind a second vehicle, which was identified in the report as a 2016 Ram 1500 pickup truck.
The bicyclist was not riding in a marked crosswalk when he began crossing Orange Avenue. Moments later, his bike entered the direct path of the unidentified vehicle, and a collision ensued.
The front of the unidentified vehicle struck the bicycle, which caused the bike’s rider to collide with the rear of the pickup truck.
After the initial impact, the unidentified vehicle fled from the area. The pickup truck’s driver and sole occupant, a 52-year-old Kissimmee woman, remained at the scene of the crash.
The bicyclist was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition. He remained at the hospital, where he died from his injuries on Friday, November 29.
FHP launched an investigation into the crash, which revealed that the hit-and-run vehicle is likely a white Ryder box truck with damage to its front right section.
No further details were provided by FHP.
Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact the Florida Highway Patrol at 407-737-2213. Anonymous tips can also be provided by calling 1-800-423-TIPS(8477).