A Mississippi cyclist was killed Saturday morning after colliding with a vehicle near Itta Bena during the 12th annual Bikes, Blues & Bayous bike ride.
Leflore County Coroner Debra Sanders confirmed Jim O’Daniel, 49, passed away at 8:30 a.m. at Greenwood Leflore Hospital.
His family has been notified of his death, Sanders said.
The coroner said O'Daniel resided in Vicksburg, where he worked as an engineer for the U.S. government. According to his Bikes, Blues & Bayous registration, he lived in Clinton.
According to witness reports, O’Daniel was hit by a pickup truck that was traveling on U.S. 82 near the Itta Bena turnoff. The cyclist was traveling across the highway along the ride’s 62-mile route. He had just left the Itta Bena rest stop and was trekking toward the next, which is in Schlater.
He was transported by ambulance to Greenwood Leflore Hospital.
Sanders said his death was caused by trauma from the collision. An autopsy will be conducted early next week.
