Correction notice: In a previous version of this story it says that Robert Saunders was charged with two counts of driving while his ability was impaired by drug causing bodily harm. This information is incorrect, and was provided to CKWS by the OPP. The OPP have since released information saying that Saunders was only charged with two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm. This story has been changed to reflect that.
A cyclist died in hospital after being struck by a vehicle during a charity bike ride near Amherstview over a week ago.
Jeff Vervaeke passed away on Friday according to Gord Townley, founder of the 7 Days in May bicycle tour, a small tour meant to raise funds for pancreatic cancer.
He says the group is devastated after hearing of the man’s death.
“Such a tragedy, a young man, he’s a father, a son, a friend, a mentor, just a great person.”
Vervaeke was one of three cyclists allegedly struck by a vehicle along Bath Road on May 27, two days into a 1,200 kilometre journey around Lake Ontario.
The 42-year-old Waterdown Ont. man is being remembered as a loving father and son.
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A GoFundMe page was set up Friday to provide financial assistance to Vervaeke’s family. It has raised more than $10,000. Someone also laid out flowers and a small memorial for the man, who was an avid cycler. Townley says a ride will take place in memory of Vervaeke later this summer.
“His family is putting together a tribute ride for Jeff, it will happen in August and be called Ride for Jeff and 7 days in May will certainly participate in that.”
OPP charged Robert Saunders, 51, of Kingston, in relation to the Bath Road collision in Amherstview last week with two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm.
Townley was also father of one of Sunday’s victims. His daughter Erin was allegedly hit by the car but did not have life-threatening injuries.
He says the day of the collision, three cyclists stopped to help a fallen cyclist, who had apparently burst a tire and fallen off his bike.
Townley claims that a white van was passing the group slowly when another vehicle decided not to slow down and allegedly tried to overtake the van on the right.
“That’s when the carnage happened,” said Townley.
Townley’s daughter Erin was sent to Kingston General Hospital with a badly broken arm.
Although police did not confirm every aspect of Townley’s account, they did say one of the bikers had fallen and was resting on the outside of the guardrail between Bath Road and Lake Ontario.
The other three in the group were on the inside of the rail waiting for their partner when police say a vehicle seemingly lost control, allegedly hitting the three cyclists.
OPP officers added there were many witnesses due to the high traffic volume in the area.
There is no word on whether police will be upgrading Saunders’ charges.
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