Two cyclists were killed near St. George after they were hit by a vehicle Saturday afternoon, police said, and a 47-year-old Hurricane woman was arrested in connection with the crash.
According to a news release from Washington City Police, officers were dispatched to the scene at about 2 p.m., at the intersection of E. Telegraph Street and North Coral Canyon Boulevard. The cyclists were traveling westbound in the bike lane of Telegraph Street, as was the Hyundai Genesis that hit them.
The bikers were found unresponsive. Witnesses began administering lifesaving measures, which were continued by first responders, but the two men later died at a local hospital.
The victims were identified as two brothers from California who were competing in the Spring Tour of St. George. Their names have not released by authorities.
The woman driving the Genesis was taken into custody by police. She told officers that she was having a medical issue when she struck the cyclists, arresting documents state.
She also told police, according to the documents, that she had not seen the cyclists and that she didn’t pull over for several hundred yards after hitting them because she could not get her car to stop. A witness said she stopped only after he chased her down, the documents state.
The woman had been admitted to the hospital the day before and was taking several medications, she told officers. She failed all field sobriety tests, according to arresting documents.
The woman was arrested on suspicion of criminal negligence resulting in a homicide, leaving the scene of an accidental death, and DUI, among other allegations. The Salt Lake Tribune generally does not name suspects until they have been formally charged with a crime.
Arresting documents also show she was convicted of a DUI in 2015. She is being held without bail.
“We are gutted by the tragic and preventable death of the two cyclists whose lives were taken this weekend by someone who admittedly drove under the influence,” said Jenn Oxborrow, executive director of Bike Utah. " ... When drivers are impaired no one is safe.”
Authorities are still investigating the crash. Witnesses are asked to contact Washington City Police at 435-986-1515.
— Salt Lake Tribune reporter Julie Jag contributed to this story.
