How did Ethan Boyes die? Champion cyclist, 44, struck by car during bike ride in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISO, CALIFORNIA: American champion cyclist Ethan Boyes has died after being struck by a car on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, while riding a bike in San Francisco. Boyes was biking in a public park in the Presidio of San Francisco when the accident occurred on Arguello Boulevard near the Presidio Golf Course and the Presidio Loop trailhead.
The emergency service providers were immediately called to the scene around 4 pm on that day and cycling officials confirmed his death on Friday, April 7. Boyes' friends placed a "ghost bike" near the scene along with a sign alleging that a "drunk driver killed our friend".
READ MORE
Outrage after pro surfer assaults American woman at Bali beach in horrifying video
Some Just Don't Learn! Tourist poses with dingo in same spot where 6-year-old was mauled brutally
Who was Ethan Boyes?
Ethan Boyes, a San Francisco resident, was a 2018 and 2019 USA Cycling champion who holds the American record for the fastest time in the 500-meter track time trial flying start event. According to KRON, the SF Bike Coalition said Boyes was a "well known and beloved figure in San Francisco bicycling and especially in the track racing world". The group wrote, "The outpouring of sadness on social media speaks to Ethan's kindness and generosity of spirit."
Boyes suffered life-threatening injuries
San Francisco Chronicle reported that the 44-year-old suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital, where he breathed his last. The driver of the vehicle also suffered injuries that were non-threatening and was also transported by paramedics. The US Park Police is continuing its investigation of the crash.
The authorities did not confirm if the driver was placed in custody or if drugs or alcohol were influences in the accident. A family spokesperson, however, claimed that law enforcement couldn't confirm an arrest, but said the driver was detained. "Ethan was a very experienced cyclist and well regarded in the cyclist community," Shaana Rahman, a spokesperson for the family, told The Chronicle Thursday evening. "This is a pretty devastating loss for the family and for the San Francisco cycling community."
Boyes' girlfriend shared the tragic news with a number of friends of his in the cycling community. Brian Keyte, the owner of Paragon Fit Studio, said that Boyes had been traveling in a bike line when a car hit him head-on. The coalition said that "several eyewitness accounts" said something similar and that the car swerved across the center line and into the bike lane. "Ethan's a really popular guy. He's a world-champion track racer," Keyte said, adding, "Just a super, super great guy."
USA Cycling officials issue statement
"USA Cycling is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ethan Boyes. 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", USA Cycling officials wrote in a statement to KRON.
"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 organization added.
