11-year-old bicyclist struck, killed by pickup in Palm Harbor

PALM HARBOR — The driver of a pickup swerved onto a sidewalk along U.S. 19 and fatally struck an 11-year-old boy riding a bike on Sunday, troopers said.

A 21-year-old Tampa man was driving a Dodge pickup towing a boat trailer north on U.S. 19 south of Grand Cypress Boulevard in Palm Harbor around 5:30 p.m. when he approached slowing traffic, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The pickup driver swerved to avoid a crash and struck the boy, who was riding his bicycle south on a sidewalk on the east side of the road, troopers said.

The boy, who lived in Lutz, was taken to an area hospital where he died from his injuries.

The pickup driver and his passenger, a 57-year-old Tampa man, were not injured, according to troopers.

The Highway Patrol did not release any more information.

This is a developing story. Stay with tampabay.com for updates.