Record-breaking cyclist Ethan Boyes, 44, is hit and killed by a car while cycling through San Francisco
- Eyewitness accounts say Boyes was riding on a bike path before a car swerved across the centerline and hit him head-on on the opposite side of the road
- Boyes was taken to hospital after the crash on Tuesday after suffering life-threatening injuries – his death was confirmed on Friday
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Ethan Boyes, an American cyclist, has died after being hit by a car while riding in San Francisco.
Boyes was biking in San Francisco’s Presidio — a public park — when he was hit by a car on Arguello Boulevard near the Presidio Golf Course and the Presidio Loop trailhead on Tuesday, U.S. park police told KRON. Police responded around 4 p.m. that day, with cycling officials confirming his death on Friday.
The San Francisco native was a 2018 and 2019 USA Cycling champion and holds the American record for the fastest time in the flying start 500-meter track time trial.
The SF Bike Coalition said Boyes was a “known and beloved figure in San Francisco cycling and especially in the track racing world,” according to KRON. The group wrote, “The outpouring of grief on social media speaks to Ethan’s kindness and generosity.”
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, officials said Boyes, 44, suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital, where he died. The driver of the vehicle also suffered injuries and was also transported by paramedics, but they were not life-threatening.
Ethan Boyes, U.S. cycling record holder, died on Tuesday after a car-on-bike accident
Boyes was riding on a bike path in a San Francisco public park on Tuesday when a car reportedly crossed the centerline of the road and hit him head-on. He suffered life-threatening injuries.
The US Park Police are continuing their investigation into the crash as it occurred within their jurisdiction. Authorities have not said whether drugs or alcohol were influences in the accident – or whether the driver has been taken into custody.
A family spokesperson told the San Francisco Chronicle that police could not confirm an arrest, but said the driver was being held.
“Ethan was a very accomplished cyclist and well regarded in the cycling community,” Shaana Rahman, a spokesman for the family, told The Chronicle Thursday night. “This is quite a devastating loss to the family and to the cycling community in San Francisco.”
Friends of Boyes have placed a white painted ‘ghost bike’ at the scene of the crash and placed flowers there as well.
Boyes had a girlfriend, who shared the news with some of his friends in the cycling community.
According to Brian Keyte, owner of Paragon Fit Studio – who found out through his girlfriend – he was riding in a bike lane when a car hit him head-on. The coalition said “several eyewitness accounts” said something similar and that the car veered over the center line and entered the cycle path.
“Ethan is a very popular man. He is a world champion track racer,” said Keyte. “Just a super, super great guy.”
Boyes’ friends, girlfriend and family have all paid tribute to his life and career
In a statement to KRON, USA Cycling officials wrote, “USA Cycling is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ethan Boyes. Ethan was the reigning Masters’ Track World Champion in the men’s 40-44 time trial and sprint events and was part of the winning Team Sprint team, all achieved in Fall 2022.
‘Moreover, he was ten-time national champion during his entire cycling career. Ethan currently holds the world’s best performance record for men aged 35-39 in the 1,000 meter time trial from 2015 and several national records.
In addition to Ethan’s athletic achievements, he was a leading member of the American track cycling community.
“His loss will be felt at local, regional, national and world events for years to come as he brought a mix of competition and friendliness to every race. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”