WASHINGTON CITY, Utah — Two brothers who were participating in a timed bicycle ride in southern Utah died after being hit by a passing SUV Saturday afternoon.
The crash occurred around 2 p.m. on Telegraph Street near Coral Canyon Boulevard, according to Washington City Police. Both the cyclists and the Toyota Highlander were traveling west on Telegraph, and police say the cyclists were using the bike lane.
Witnesses and first responders attempted lifesaving measures, and the two victims were taken to St. George Regional Hospital where they later died from their injuries.
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The victims were later identified as 48-year-old Matthew Bullard and 49-year-old Adam Bullard, a pair of brothers from Whittier, California.
"We offer our sincerest condolences to all those affected by this tragic accident," the police department wrote in a press release.
It happened during the Spring Tour of St. George, organized by Ride Southern Utah. About 700 riders participated in the event, which was 75 miles long, according to Ride Southern Utah director Margaret Gibson.
"Very sorry for the family; we've never had anything like that happen, and it's very sad," Gibson said. "It's a devastating thing that happened. We're at a loss."
Photos from the scene show the destroyed bikes of two men who were hit and killed by a passing car Saturday afternoon near St. George.
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“We are gutted by the tragic and preventable death of the two cyclists whose lives were taken this weekend by someone who admittedly drove under the influence. Our hearts go out to their loved ones and to everyone who witnessed the crash, as well as to those who attempted to provide life-saving help,” said Jenn Oxborrow, the executive director of Bike Utah. “Bike lanes exist to promote safe, active transportation, allowing vehicles and bicycles to travel simultaneously in different lanes on the same roadway. As we witnessed on Saturday, and on numerous other occasions, when drivers are impaired no one is safe.”
A gofundme identifies the brothers as Matt and Adam Bullard and explains they were in town with their sons for the event.
The driver, a female resident of Washington City whose name was also not released, was taken into police custody. Any criminal charges will be determined after she is medically evaluated, police said.
Officials said the speed at which the car was traveling is not yet known, but the speed limit in the area is 50 miles per hour. The investigation is ongoing.
Police ask that anyone who witnessed the crash and has not yet spoken with investigators call the department at 435-986-1515 or non-emergency dispatch at 435-634-5730.
