On Friday November 29th, two Tampa Bay area bicyclists died in separate accidents. The cyclist fatality toll continues to climb in the Bay area for 2013, as this year has been wrought with numerous bicycle tragedies, several involving and hit and run drivers. On the day after Thanksgiving, yet another hit and run case claimed the life of a cyclist in Ruskin. The second fatal incident involved a collision east of Tampa.
Antonio Leon was riding his bicycle on 21st Avenue in Ruskin right around 7 p.m. He was suddenly hit from behind by an unidentified driver traveling between 45 mph and 55 mph. The driver immediately fled the scene. Leon, age 56, had nearly arrived back at his home when he was hit, according to deputies.
The suspect vehicle is a green 2003-2005 Saturn Ion sedan. The Saturn is likely to have front-end collision damage that could include blue or silver paint from Leon’s bicycle. Anybody with information about the incident is urged to contact the HCSO at (813) 247-8200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477. All callers have the choice to remain anonymous.
Just 30 minutes earlier, close to 6:30 p.m., another bicyclist collided with a car at U.S. 301 and E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, according to Florida Highway Patrol.
The cyclist, Anthony S. Del Favero, was proceeding east on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in the right-turn lane. The driver, Jennifer Johnson of Tampa, was heading north on U.S. 301 in her 2009 Honda Civic. Johnson, 36, of Tampa, had a green light as she approached the intersection, the FHP said. Del Favero, age 47, apparently passed red and crossed into the car’s path, investigators said.
Investigators noted that that Johnson had the right of way. Del Favero later died after being taken to Tampa General Hospital. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. No charges are pending against the driver.
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