5 Cyclists Killed in Retirement Ride Turned Bicycle Crash on US 95
Las Vegas, NV (December 10, 2020) – On Thursday, five cyclists, including Erin Ray, Michael Murray, and Aksoy Ahmet were killed in a retirement ride that turned into a crash on US 95.
The Nevada Highway Patrol spokesman Jason Buratczuk said the fatal crash happened south of Boulder City, which involved a box truck.
At around 9:40 a.m., a box truck struck a group of about 20 bicyclists.
Unfortunately, four men and one woman died at the scene.
The Clark County coroner’s office said the deceased included Las Vegas residents Erin Michelle Ray, 39, Michael Todd Murray, 57, Aksoy Ahmet, 48, Thomas Chamberlin Trauger, 57, and Gerrard Suarez Nieva, 41.
“It doesn’t appear to be impairment,” Buratczuk said. “It appears to be a tragic accident.”
Among the four bicyclists injured, rescuers flew one of them to a hospital in critical condition.
It appeared the bicyclists were part of an organized ride, Buratczuk added. There was a chase vehicle with them with flashers.
Also, the chase vehicle’s driver was injured and rushed to a hospital.
On the other hand, the box truck driver did not get injured, and authorities have yet to release his identity.
Moreover, Clay Weeks, a Pro Cyclery bike shop employee, knew many of the bicyclists involved in the deadly crash.
The Pain of Losing Loved Ones in a Crash
“They were on a retirement ride for one of the community cyclists,” Weeks said. “We’ve talked to a couple of people who were on the ride. Obviously, everybody is super upset and distraught. It’s pretty horrific that something like this would happen. There’s really no words.”
The tragic accident startled Southern Nevada’s close-knit bicycling community.
“We all ride together,” Weeks said.
Weeks is familiar with the stretch of road where the crash unfolded. He struggled to imagine how the crash happened there.
“That shoulder on the side of that highway is wide enough to fit three cars,” Weeks said. “We don’t really know how somebody managed to get that far off the road. These were all very very experienced cyclists. It’s not like they accidentally rode off and into the road.”
To consider that it was not the first time those riders made the trip.
“These are people who ride 10,000 miles a year. Some race professionally,” Weeks said. “How did something like this mistakenly happen?”
We at Sweet Lawyers would like to express our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the five deceased. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Sweet Lawyers Can Help
Contact Sweet Lawyers if you or a loved one is involved in a Willitts motorcycle crash. Our firm tackles motorcycle accidents that have settled for more than $600 million dollars in lawsuits. We understand grieving or recovering, while handling legal claims, is incredibly difficult. Thus, if you want to work with a team of experienced attorneys who will go to great lengths for your future, call (800) 674 7852. Moreover, you can also reach us 24 hours a day and 7 days a week by online chat, text message, and email. Above all, our team is here for you.