CINCINNATI -- The community is mourning the death of a 61-year-old cyclist killed in an almost hit-and-run accident Monday.
William Rust, a regular cyclist, was riding his bike along the shoulder of U.S. 52 in Anderson Township when Steven Sickle, 33, who admitted to being under the influence of heroin, struck him from behind, according to deputies.
Rust owned The Candle Lab in Over-The-Rhine.
His death shocked many, including the local cycling community, which is a close-knit group according to Derek Drifmeyer, president of the Cincinnati Cycle Club.
"It is an absolute tragedy," Drifmeyer said. "A completely senseless stupid event that should have never taken place."
This is not the first time that someone has been killed by a drugged driver while riding their bicycle.
The drugged driving problem is becoming a growing threat according to Cheryl Parker, spokesperson for AAA.
"People that are using drugs, especially with heroin, they’re not really thinking about what they’re doing when they’re getting behind the wheel," Parker said.
Sickle, who has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and failure to stop, made a court appearance Tuesday where his bond was set at $600,000. He is due back in court on June 1.
