Bicyclist dies after colliding with pickup in N.C.

Posted to: News North Carolina

By Catherine Kozak
The Virginian-Pilot
© March 31, 2009

SOUTHERN SHORES, N.C.

A bicyclist crossing a road near a shopping center died Saturday after the bike he was riding collided with a truck, police said.

Delbert Wayne Schorzman, 72, of Southern Shores, was attempting to cross N.C. 12 by Southern Shores Crossing about 1:27 p.m. when he apparently ran into the rear wheel of a pickup operated by Matthew Ottavio of Kitty Hawk, said Southern Shores police Chief David Kole.

Kole said Ottavio's northbound vehicle was pulling a trailer loaded with mulch. When Schorzman's bicycle struck the truck tire, Kole said, it appears the bike flipped, Schorzman was thrown off, and the trailer ran over him.

Schorzman was transported to Regional Medical Center, where he died of his injuries, Kole said.

No charges have been filed, according to a news release. The incident is being investigated by Southern Shores police.

Catherine Kozak, (252) 441-1711, cate.kozak@pilotonline.com

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