Bicyclist killed in hit-and-run near Nassau-Duval County line

Troopers searching for driver who hit cyclist, knocking him onto road

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 55-year-old bicyclist was killed Saturday night when he was struck by a truck on U.S. 17 near the Duval-Nassau County line, the Florida Highway Patrol said. 

David Eugene Adams was riding a motorized bicycle south on the paved shoulder of North Main Street just after 9 p.m. when he was hit by a pickup truck, according to FHP's report. Adams was knocked off his bike and onto the road when he was struck by a second pickup truck. 

The first vehicle, a black or dark navy blue newer model pickup, did not stop at the scene. The second pickup, a Dodge Ram, did stop and was cooperating with troopers.

A family friend said Adams was leaving his home in Yulee and heading to Oceanway to visit a friend when he was hit and killed.

The friend said Adams has lived in Northeast Florida his entire life.

According to the FHP report, charges are pending against the first driver that fled the scene.

Anyone who has information on this incident is asked to call the FHP at FHP at (904) 695-4000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

A report from January found Florida is the most dangerous state to walk in. The Smart Growth America report says there were 5,433 pedestrian fatalities in Florida over a nine-year span.

Under Florida law, leaving the scene of a crash resulting in a fatality is a first-degree felony. It’s a mandatory minimum of four years in prison with a possible sentence up to 30 years and a $10,000 fine.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 2018 data for Duval County:

  • There were 142 pedestrian hit-and-run crashes, with 7 fatalities
  • There were 63 bicycle hit-and-run crashes, including 2 fatalities

And In Nassau County, there were two pedestrian hit-and-run crashes in 2018.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has a full breakdown of hit-and-run crashes by Florida counties.