Deaths of 2 cyclists in North Texas met with ‘profoundly moving’ outpouring
The Frisco Triathlon Club is encouraging donations to a GoFundMe and participation in an upcoming race in honor of the two cyclists who died after being hit by a car on Saturday.
Scott Mages and Andre Kocher died after being struck from behind by a pickup. The accident happened just east of Pilot Point while they were on a group ride along the March Ironman bike route.
Pilot Point Police responded to the scene along Farm to Market Road 455 east of Fritcher Road on Saturday morning.
Pilot Point EMS and the Celina Fire Department also responded, providing live-saving efforts to both Mages and Kocher before they were taken to Celina Methodist Hospital and Medical City Plano. Both men died in the hospitals due to injuries.
The police department’s statement said the driver drove on for a short while before returning to the site of the accident. Authorities are still investigating; the driver has been cooperative, police said.
A GoFundMe set up by the Frisco Triathlon Club in honor of Mages and Kocher is raising money for the League of American Bicyclists. The nonprofit works to make roads safer for cyclists through policy, education and community engagement.
More than $3,700 had been raised as of midday Monday, exceeding a goal of $2,600.
“Scott and Andre embodied the very best of our sport and our community,” the GoFundMe page states. “They showed up for others, encouraged those around them, and shared a deep respect for the road, for safety, and for one another. Their presence made our rides richer, our friendships stronger, and our community better.”
On Dec. 24, a Santa run hosted by the Frisco Running Company will honor the two cyclists. The 8 a.m. race in Frisco will be on Legacy Drive, between Main Street and Eldorado Parkway, with routes for 5K and 1 mile.
“The outpouring of support from this community for their families has been profoundly moving,” a friend of the cyclists wrote on Facebook. “If there is a way to honor Andre and Scott’s legacy, it is by continuing to advocate for safer riding and safer roads—for everyone who shares this passion.”