Two bicyclists in a hit-and-run situation near Huntsville sustained serious injuries but are recovering as local police search for the driver of the vehicle.
John Beck and Courtney Cote were riding Apri 29 about 5:30 p.m. on rural roads near Mooresville, west of Huntsville. They were preparing for the Heel & Crank Duathalon on May 14. The two men told WHNT-19 they train regularly for local cycling events, along with enjoying the open roads near Mooresville. The area is popular with cyclists.
Cote said he was struck from behind by the vehicle and propelled into Beck. Both men tumbled on the surface; Cote sustained a broken shoulder, and both had lacerations and abrasions. Cote was transported to Huntsville Hospital for treatment.
“We were training for the Heel & Crank Duathlon here in a couple weeks. So, we were riding the bike course that we’ve done probably several dozen times before,” Beck told WHNT.
“Literally a boom, and then I was flying through the air and tumbling, and ended up laying on the road,” Cote said. “It hit directly from behind, and hit right into the rear tire.”
Injuries, But OK
Beck said he was bruised on his right arm and right side of his body. Cote’s injuries were worse but not life-threatening. Neither man saw the vehicle that hit them. Beck told the television station he found parts from a silver Chevrolet near the impact site.
The Huntsville area has seen several bicyclists in a hit-and-run situation in recent years. Drivers fleeing the scene is nothing new, unfortunately. Convictions sometimes happen in these cases. Unfortunately, often in hit-and-run situations unless the driver turns themselves in or police get a solid lead, the case may not be resolved. Huntsville athlete Josh Whitehead sustained serious injuries in summer 2020 from an unidentified hit-and-run driver. Fortunately, Whitehead recovered and is back to running and biking. The city’s bike shops offer a variety of safety equipment, helmets, lights and advice about riding on local roads.
The Huntsville Police Department said the driver who hit Cote and Beck fled on Swancott Road near Rockhouse Road. The HPD is seeking any information or leads to help identify the driver. Anyone with information can call (256) 722-7100.
(Photo: Getty Images)
