Columbus cyclists mourn loss of friend in bike fatality

Cyclists in Columbus, Georgia, are mourning the death of Matthew Scott Matty, a 47-year amateur bicycle racer who was killed on a training ride on Sunday.

Matty and a companion, Jeffrey Davis, 39, had broken off from the main group of cyclists from Columbus Bicycle Racing club so they could get home to spend time with their families when they were struck from behind by a Ford Explorer.

Other club members on the ride learned about the collision by cell phone calls they received after they stopped for lunch.

Shock

Cyclist Barry Carswell told the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer:

“There have been a couple of other cycling-related deaths in the community. Scott is the first individual who was so tied to all aspects of the cycling community. It has sent shock waves through our community.”

Matty was a nationally ranked amateur racer. You can find the races he competed in at USA Cycling. He was ranked 14th nationally as a time trialist.

Not limiting his activity to road racing, he helped raise funds and build a mountain bike course built by the Columbus Cycling Club.

SUV

The Ledger reports that Matty was following Davis single-file on a level stretch of Route 315 when they were struck by the SUV driven by a 17-year-old girl. Matty died at the scene and Davis was airlifted to the hospital, where is expected to recover after surgery and rehabilitation therapy.

No charges have been filed in the collision, but the Georgia State Patrol is investigating.

Club

The Columbus Bike Racing club's blog sums up the feelings of many.

“Our prayers go out to the families of both Scott and Jeff. We are fortunate that Jeff will remain with us and be back on his feet soon. Scott was the proud father of three beautiful girls. He also leaves behind a loving wife Sherry.

“In Scott's death we have lost a fine man. Scott was the friend you always wanted, always smiling, happy and just fun to be around. If he was on the bike – he was attacking or just about to. You always knew what to expect. The profound sadness I feel with his passing is beyond words and will be with me for a very long time. Scott you will be missed!”