VENICE, Fla. — An experienced bicyclist died nearly a week after a 91-year-old driver hit him and three other cyclists.
Florida Highway Patrol said 57-year-old Jack Harrison died on Monday. The crash happened on October 30 on Center Road in Venice.
Friends described Harrison as an experienced bicyclist capable of biking 100 miles a day.
"He always had a smile even after 100 miles when everybody else was kind of tired," said Todd Barber.
Todd first met Harrison about five years ago at Real Bikes in Venice. Bicyclists would meet at the bike shop and bike on Saturdays.
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"He was really sharp. He was a great mentor. He was like a father to everybody," said Barber.
Todd said he's stunned the Venice community lost an experienced bike rider.
He says in 2003, Harrison placed third in an online cycling challenge called the Strava Challenge.
"He was one of the elite. He was able to complete 100 miles a day for a month and to be the number 3rd ranked out of 40,000 cyclists worldwide in his ability for endurance," said Barber.
Two of the bicyclists who were involved in the crash remain hospitalized. A third person has been released, according to a spokesperson from Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
The 91-year-old driver is not facing any charges at this time.
An FHP spokesperson said there is an ongoing traffic homicide investigation.
