A 34 year-old Ironman Boulder competitor was killed when she was hit by a car on the cycling leg of the triathlon a few miles north and west of the race start Sunday morning, Colorado State Patrol officials said.
The cyclist, identified as Michelle Walters of McCook, Nebraska, was taken to an area hospital where she was declared dead.
Walters was struck by a car on U.S. 36 just north of Broadway at 9:54 AM, CSP reported.
This afternoon, Ironman officials released the following statement:
““We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our athletes at Ironman Boulder. We are working with the Colorado State Patrol to gather all of the details regarding the incident that occurred on State Highway 36 just north of Broadway. Our condolences go out to the athlete's family and friends, whom we will continue to support.”
CSP have not yet identified the driver or the vehicle involved in the crash. CSP said neither alcohol nor speeding are believed to be contributing factors in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.
Highway 36 north of Boulder, which is part of the bike leg, was not closed to traffic at the time of the accident. It was closed for a time during the investigation of the srash.
Today’s death marks the second time in two years a competitor at Ironman Boulder died. Last year, Brian Godlove of Virginia was taken to a local hospital after the completing the swim and bike portions, suffering from dehydration and rhabdomyolysis. Godlove died three days later at Boulder Community Health Center.
The death of Michelle Walters was the latest of four bicyclists fatally struck by cars in Boulder County in the past 11 weeks.
May 21. Peyton Knowlton, 8, was struck and killed by a 20-year-old driver when she was riding her bicycle at the intersection of 17th Avenue and Alpine Street in Longmont. Kyle Couch is facing charges of vehicular homicide and driving under the influence of marijuana.
June 21. Shane Swope, 46, died a day after being struck by a pickup truck while cycling on 17th Street neat Gay Avenue in Longmont. Felipe Peralta-Alvarez was charged with careless driving resulting in death and driving without a valid driver’s license.
June 25. Bill Davis, 35, was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver in a hit-and run incident while cycling on Jay Road near 30th Street in unincorporated Boulder County.