On the evening of April 2nd, a 52-year-old man was bicycling on the parkway in the area of Milepost 64 when he was struck by a deer. The bicycle was travelling at approximately 25 miles per hour when the deer collided with the rider’s right side, causing him to lose control of his bicycle. The cyclist, who was wearing a helmet, hit the roadway with his head, resulting in severe head and neck trauma.
EMS was provided on scene by Big Island Rescue and the cyclist was evacuated by helicopter to Lynchburg General Hospital. He remained in critical condition there until succumbing to his injuries on Sunday, April 13th. Ranger Miranda Cook is investigating the accident.