Cyclist Killed, 6 Others Hospitalized After Being Struck By Car In Davie
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DAVIE (CBSMiami) – "It's hard. It's hard. I don't know how to like say it," Jesse Saint Facile said.
Jesse Saint Facile was left nearly speechless Sunday when he learned he will never see Denise Marsh smile again.
"They're in-laws but I felt like I was another son to her," he said.
Marsh just celebrated her 53rd birthday less than two weeks ago.
Davie police told CBS4 she was killed after being struck by a Honda Sunday morning along State Road 84 near Flamingo Road.
Marsh was riding her bike in a cycling group. Police said five others, including a 14-year-old boy, were hit by that car and injured.
"Every weekend, it's usually a very large group and she goes out all the time," Saint Facile said.
Investigators said the 33-year-old driver, identified as Nicole Vanderweit, stayed on scene and admitted to police her eyes were not on the road.
"She admitted to being distracted by something in the passenger compartment of her car. That, coupled with the sun directly in her face from the east," Sgt Mark Leone with the Davie Police Department.
Police said there isn't a bike lane where the crash happened. So, drivers must share the road with cyclists.
"We do not believe that speed nor alcohol nor drugs are a factor in this crash," Leone said.
The driver involved has allowed police to take data from the airbag control module and her cell phone.
Now, since this mom of two was killed doing what she lived, people have started sharing a picture of a bicycle on a ribbon on social media.
Saint Facile said there's another way for all South Florida drivers to honor Marsh.
"Everyone just needs to take a breath and remember when they're on the road that the importance of being on the road and mentally there," Saint Facile said.
As of Sunday morning, Carlos Rodriguez was listed in critical condition at the hospital. Edgar Reyes, Maria Bautista, John Beitz, and a 14-year-old boy were injured.
This case is still under investigation and it's unclear if the driver will face any criminal charges.