Rocky Mountain
04-08-2004, 03:24 PM
Lake Elmo bicyclist dies in collision with truck near Rochester
Troy Melhus, Star Tribune
April 4, 2004BIKE0404
A 51-year-old bicyclist from Lake Elmo was killed Friday after losing control of his bike and colliding with a truck in southeastern Minnesota.
George Szymansky died shortly after 4 p.m. after he crashed into an oncoming truck on County Rd. 114 in Elba Township, about 25 miles east of Rochester.
Winona County Sheriff Dave Brand said Szymansky was riding with about 20 other bicyclists when the group steered downhill around a curve.
Szymansky lost control of his bike in the turn and crashed into another bicyclist before veering into the path of a grain truck. Szymansky died instantly, Brand said. The other cyclist was taken to a hospital, and the truck driver was not hurt.
Witnesses reported that the truck appeared to be within posted speed limits, Brand said. No citations were issued.
The bicyclists were camping in Whitewater State Park, near the accident site, as part of a training camp for the Loon State Cyclists bicycle club. Brand said it was the year's first traffic fatality in the county.
Troy Melhus, Star Tribune
April 4, 2004BIKE0404
A 51-year-old bicyclist from Lake Elmo was killed Friday after losing control of his bike and colliding with a truck in southeastern Minnesota.
George Szymansky died shortly after 4 p.m. after he crashed into an oncoming truck on County Rd. 114 in Elba Township, about 25 miles east of Rochester.
Winona County Sheriff Dave Brand said Szymansky was riding with about 20 other bicyclists when the group steered downhill around a curve.
Szymansky lost control of his bike in the turn and crashed into another bicyclist before veering into the path of a grain truck. Szymansky died instantly, Brand said. The other cyclist was taken to a hospital, and the truck driver was not hurt.
Witnesses reported that the truck appeared to be within posted speed limits, Brand said. No citations were issued.
The bicyclists were camping in Whitewater State Park, near the accident site, as part of a training camp for the Loon State Cyclists bicycle club. Brand said it was the year's first traffic fatality in the county.