Bicyclist struck and killed along U.S. 41 in Gibsonton

GIBSONTON — A bicyclist died early Saturday morning after he was struck by a car on an unlit stretch of U.S. 41, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Michael Fitzgerald Murrell, 41, was riding a bicycle without lights south on U.S. 41 near Kracker Avenue just after 3 a.m., FHP said. A Honda Civic, driven by Kevin A. Sitz, 30, was behind Murrell, heading in the same direction.

Due to a lack of lighting in the area and on the bicycle, Sitz did not see Murrell and the left front of his car struck the bicycle, FHP said. The bicycle flipped and Murrell was ejected onto the roadway.

Murrell, of Gibsonton, was not wearing a helmet, died at the scene, FHP said. Sitz, of Ruskin, was not injured.

The crash remains under investigation and no charges have been filed, FHP said.