He was riding home after 10:00pm on Monday night
Police believe his bike was struck from the rear by a motorist who then did not stop.
Another driver saw the unconscious man, pulled over, and called 911. Yeboah was airlifted to Inova Fairfax Hospital, but he died several hours later.
Prince William County Police believe the suspect vehicle may be gray or silver in color.
Yeboah was 26 years old, and, according to family members, had emigrated to the U.S. only about six months ago from Ghana.
He was riding on the paved shoulder of Lee Highway.
And
Still, the police have been wrong on this before. He was also reportedly wearing dark clothing - no word on lights.
There was a hit & run in Silver Spring 3 years ago. The police got the model and color of the vehicle, and even saw the vehicle the next day but lost it, and still could not catch the culprit. (It didn't help that MCPD's response was virtually negligent, and I don't say that lightly). These cases are difficult to resolve. I hope the perpetrator loses sleep at night for the next 20 years. Why would someone not stop? DUI? Suspended license? Immigration problems? Who knows.
Posted by: Jack Cochrane | August 26, 2009 at 03:35 PM
As usual with this kind of story, key facts are missing. However, if you ride a lot, you'll know it wouldn't be unusual for someone to be riding in the dark without lights, without a helmet, and indeed without reflectors or reflective clothing. Also, to me this stretch of highway seems dangerous even in broad daylight. Every day, I see some ill-advised cycling and wonder how more of us aren't killed.
Not to excuse hit and run driving.
Posted by: old guy | August 26, 2009 at 05:30 PM
old guy - How does someone get home from work at 10:00 pm in Prince William County, if they don't own a car?
Posted by: ben | August 27, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Hey Ben -- I'd be the last person to tell someone not to bike. My point is if you're going to bike, wear a helmet. If you're going to bike in the dark, use lights. And if you have a choice, don't bike on busy highways.
Posted by: old guy | August 27, 2009 at 05:19 PM
I have noticed a number of people cycling in PW without a helmet or light. Perhaps a bike safety education program that focuses on getting info out to riders and having free, or low cost, helmets and lights available would help. There are programs such as "Yield to Life" that are trying to make strides in the area of bike safety awareness. I am thinking that there must be a grant out there some where for this. Saving one life would be worth it.
Posted by: Bikedude09 | August 28, 2009 at 10:08 AM