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Bicyclist critically injured by distracted driver in Zephyrhills

 
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Published March 26, 2018

ZEPHYRHILLS — A 33-year-old bicyclist was critically injured in a collision after he was struck by a distracted driver Monday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The incident took place at about 10:10 a.m. Kelly Schweigart, 25, was driving a 2014 Dodge Journey west on Pretty Pond Road, just east of 23rd Street, troopers said.

Schweigart, of Zephyrhills, had a 3-year-old girl and 4-year-old boy in the vehicle with her.

Authorities said Schweigart was "momentarily distracted" and didn't see the bicyclist, Jonathan Day of Panama City, riding west along the road's edge. She then struck the bicyclist, the FHP said.

The bicyclist was reported to have suffered critical injuries and was taken to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center for medical treatment. The FHP did not say if he was wearing a helmet.

No one in the vehicle was injured, troopers said. Alcohol was not a factor in the crash, troopers said, but charges could be pending in this case.