HOLMES BEACH, FL- Islander.org writes that a man from Bradenton is currently in critical condition after a crash on the Anna Maria Island Bridge. The victim was identified as a 61-year-old man who was reportedly cycling across the bridge, which is part of Manatee Avenue West. The cyclist was on the west side of the […]
Florida highway patrol – Hit-and-Run Crash
HOLMES BEACH, FL- Islander.org writes that a man from Bradenton is currently in critical condition after a crash on the Anna Maria Island Bridge. The victim was identified as a 61-year-old man who was reportedly cycling across the bridge, which is part of Manatee Avenue West.
The cyclist was on the west side of the bridge when the car struck him. The Holmes Beach Police responded to the scene of the crash, and the Florida Highway Patrol is working on the investigation. The driver who struck the man fled the scene after the collision.
Reports indicate that the crash took place in the mid-afternoon and led to the bridge and the surrounding roadway remaining closed for hours while investigators worked at the scene. Drivers were directed to the Cortez Bridge, but later in the day, a crash on that bridge shut it down as well. The two incidents caused massive delays in traffic throughout the area.
According to updates, the FHP has located a vehicle that they believe was involved in the severe crash.
Based on investigations, it appears that the vehicle that struck the man was a pickup truck that was traveling westbound on the bridge while towing a loaded trailer that was carrying a forklift. The cyclist was on the sidewalk biking east and heading uphill when he reportedly fell off his bike. The vehicle’s rear right side struck the victim, and the driver then continued to drive away from the scene.
Police stated that several trucks carrying forklifts had crossed the bridge around the same point in time, making identifying the vehicle involved more challenging. The forklift also covered the license plate.
Police requested that anyone with information about the incident contact law enforcement or Crime Stoppers.
