A cyclist was killed Thursday night in an apparent hit-and-run accident. Officers were called to the scene around 6:30 pm where the downed cyclist was in critical condition. The 25-year-old was transported to the hospital and there pronounced dead. Witnesses describe that a newer-model white van may have been involved in the accident or that its driver may know more concerning the incident. The accident occurred at the intersection of California Avenue and Fortune Road in Salt Lake City. Fox 13 reports that the cyclist was 25 years old and lived in a halfway house nearby.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of this man. A life cut short by another, and then to have that person leave the scene of the accident, is unjust and shameful.
This accident accentuates a trend that has been growing in the United States: since 2003, hit-and-run accidents have continually been on the rise. Though pedestrians are most often the victims in such accidents, a cyclist is just as vulnerable when met by the force of a vehicle. Just last year, Utah news anchor Kerri Cronk was hit while cycling, only to have the culprit leave the scene of the accident. Such actions are blatantly criminal, and certainly unethical, and represent the overall moral decay rampant in our society.