Motorist in Utah cyclist's death remembers little

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Elizabeth Deseelhorst, 67, testified she remembers hearing her vehicle smash into Josie Johnson, but she hadn't seen the cyclist before that.

A neurologist testifying for the defense said that scenario is consistent with a mild stroke or seizure, something Deseelhorst has suffered occasionally since a stroke in 1991, according to testimony.

Deseelhorst is charged with negligent homicide and could spend up to a year in jail if convicted. The case is expected to go to the jury today after closing arguments.

The death of 25-year-old Josie Johnson, who was riding along the right fog line, raised awareness for more bicycling safety laws in Utah and launched the annual Josie Johnson Memorial Ride, sponsored by the Salt Lake County Bicycle Advisory Committee.

Deseelhorst admitted on the stand that she fabricated her written statement to police after the accident, because she didn't remember anything. She wrote in the report that she saw the cyclist 150 feet ahead and moved to the left, but Johnson swerved into the path of the vehicle.

Police reported that Deseelhorst's Jeep Cherokee was straddling the fog line when it struck Johnson.