A Durango man was killed after being hit by a car while bicycling near San Diego, but it’s not likely the driver will face charges.
California Highway Patrol spokesman Mark Latulippe said this week that the ongoing investigation showed the Durango man apparently rode into the path of the car.
“It looks like he was moving across the intersection to move into the left turn lane, right into the path of the vehicle,” Latulippe said. “So it’s leaning toward actually the bicyclist being at fault.”
On Dec. 11, the bicyclist – identified as William Tyson, 63 – was riding south on California Route 76 in Bonsall, a small town about 45 miles north of San Diego. About 10 a.m., a 2005 Infiniti G35 driven by a 19-year-old struck Tyson from behind.
The driver called 911. He told authorities he did not notice Tyson until he struck him. Alcohol and drugs were not considered factors in the crash.
Tyson, according to California Highway Patrol, died at the scene. He was in full cycling gear and wearing a helmet.
Latulippe said the ongoing investigation should conclude within a few weeks.
“In the way of charges, I don’t think we’re going to have any,” he said.
According to an obituary posted in The Durango Herald, Tyson planned to join a morning group ride the day he died.
“While the incident appears to be an accident, and Bill died doing what he loved, it does nothing to shake the tragedy of what happened,” the obituary said. “He will be missed deeply.”
Tyson grew up in the Bay Area of California and lived on and off in Durango since the 1980s before retiring to Durango in 2013. He was a member of the Durango Wheel Club and previously worked as a ski instructor at Purgatory Resort and started his accounting firm.
“He loved physical activity and wasn’t afraid to give any endeavor his all,” the obituary said.
The obituary said there would be a memorial event for Tyson on Jan. 4, but it did not disclose a location.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
