VERO BEACH — Police determined that a bicyclist and driver involved in a fatal February crash both made traffic violations that led to the bicyclist’s death, authorities said.
The bicyclist made an illegal left turn while the driver was traveling above the speed limit, police chief David Currey said in a statement. Officers gave the driver a speeding ticket, police said. Details on if the driver will be charged were not immediately available.
Officers identified the bicyclist as 58-year-old Christopher Hannon of Melbourne Beach. The driver of a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier was identified as 33-year-old county resident Alton Ernest Gilstrap Jr.
Police responded to the crash involving a bicyclist and Chevy about 12:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at the intersection of Indian River Boulevard and the Barber Bridge. The bicyclist, Hannon, was taken to the Indian River Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead by staff.
Officers conducted a traffic homicide investigation and determined that Hannon and Gilstrap were both approaching the intersection with green lights at Indian River Boulevard. Police said Hannon rode past at least one vehicle that was stopped in the left hand turning lane.
Hannon then made a left turn to go east over the bridge, illegally entering the intersection and violating the right of way for Gilstrap, police said.
Officers said Gilstrap was traveling 61 mph in a 45 mph when he slammed on his brakes and was unable to stop the vehicle from striking Hannon.
“Had either of these two traffic violations not occurred; this crash would not have happened,” Currey said in a statement. “Please drive safely and obey all traffic laws.”
The crash caused heavy traffic delays on State Road A1A, Indian River Boulevard and U.S. 1 for several hours.
