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Loved ones share memories of 2 men killed while cycling

Posted at 8:04 AM, Mar 12, 2014
and last updated 2014-03-13 07:43:46-04

LEHI, Utah -- Two Salt Lake County men were killed Wednesday morning while riding their bicycles to work.

The accident happened at 6 a.m. at 2100 North Redwood Road in Lehi.

Bryan Byrge, 39, and John Coons, 35, were friends and neighbors and also worked near each other, so it was not uncommon for them to bike to work together.

Police said the two cyclists were turning left onto 2100 North when they were struck by a man driving a truck in the northbound lanes of Redwood Road. Both died instantly from the impact.

FOX 13 News spoke with family and friends who paint a picture of two very active, energetic, loving, outdoorsy family men.

The Coons’ family Bishop said about John: "He loved being out and being active, so biking is one aspect. He loved basketball, he just loved being out doing things."

Father-in-law of Bryan, Mike Vranes, said of Bryan, "He just loves life. He skis. He bikes. He boats. He surfs. He mountain bikes. He hikes. He does it all, and he shares it with his kids, and he shares it with all the young men in the ward."

Police said both men were experienced bikers who were wearing cycling attire and helmets when the accident happened. Family members are wanting more information from the accident investigation, saying Byrge always made safety a priority.

"He'd been riding for years, he skis safe, he does it all, he does it all with a safe attitude,” Vranes said.

The two men leave behind wives and children, and a stunned community they were so invested in.

Neighbor Andy Sortor said of Coons: "He's such a great guy that he left us with such a great memory. We've been laughing all morning as well as crying… at his antics and all the good times with him."

He adds, "Both of these men leave a huge, huge void."

Police said the driver of the truck is a 41-year-old man. He was taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries sustained when his windshield shattered.

No citations have been issued, as this is an ongoing investigation.