UPDATE: Lincoln man dies in hospital after bicycle collision
By: Lauren Fabrizi
lfabrizi@klkntv.com
Workers at the Nebraska Department of Labor took a moment Tuesday to remember the man they called not only a leader, but also a friend and mentor.
“He brought from each and every person’s personality and strengths, and really built upon that and made our unit a wonderful place,” worker Jamie Abbott said.
66–year–old Ron Joyce of Lincoln died in the hospital Monday night following his injuries from a head–on bike collision with another cyclist.
The crash happened around 6 p.m.on the SouthPointe trail near the mall last Thursday.
Police said the other biker, a 15-year-old boy, was looking down, drifted into the left lane and collided with Joyce.
The 15-year-old was not seriously hurt. But authorities said Joyce fell to the ground and stopped breathing. He had been in a coma since the crash. Per Joyce’s wishes, his family took him off life support Monday night.
Joyce was the administrator of unemployment benefits at the Department of Labor. His colleagues said he was more than just a boss.
“Ron was full-tilt and he was great to work with,” commissioner John Albin said.
Albin said that enthusiasm extended into Joyce’s hobbies– most recently, his new love for biking.
“Ron was a force of nature!” Albin remembered. “Universally very well-liked and respected.”
A candle light vigil will be held for Joyce Thursday at 8 p.m. at Densmore Park in Lincoln.
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By: Lauren Fabrizi
lfabrizi@klkntv.com
A Lincoln man has died in the hospital following a head–on bicycle collision Thursday night.
Police said a 15–year–old biker was headed eastbound on the SouthPointe trail north of the mall. They said he was looking down and ended up in the left lane. That’s when police said he heard someone yell, “Watch out!” He collided head on with another biker, 66–year–old Ronald Joyce.
“The bicyclist fell to the ground and quit breathing,” Ofc. Katie Flood said. “A man in parking lot heard the collision and rushed over. He called 911 and started CPR.”
Police said Joyce was taken to the hospital with life–threatening injuries.
Channel 8 Eyewitness News spoke with Joyce’s son, Sean. He said his father was in a medically induced coma in the ICU on life support. He suffered broken ribs and cracked vertebrae. Doctors anticipated he’d be paralyzed from the head down.
Per Joyce’s wishes, his family removed him from life support Monday. Sean said he passed peacefully with family around.
Police said the 15–year–old was also taken to the hospital.
“He just sustained a cut to his lip,” Flood said.
Authorities said both bikers were wearing helmets.
Joyce worked for the Department of Labor. His son said he was very active in Nebraska government and touched the lives of many different people. He said his dad was an extraordinary husband and father and always there when needed.
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By: Channel 8 Newsroom
8@klkntv.com
A 66-year-old Lincoln man is in the hospital with life-threatening injuries following a head–on bike collision in south Lincoln.
It happened after 6 p.m. Thursday night at the SouthPointe trail.
Police said a 15–year–old biker was headed eastbound on the trail. They said he was looking down and ended up in the left lane. That’s when police said he heard someone yell, “Watch out!” He collided head on with another biker, a 66–year–old man.
“The bicyclist fell to the ground and quit breathing,” Ofc. Katie Flood said. “A man in the parking lot heard the collision and rushed over. He called 911 and started CPR.”
Police said the 66 year-old-man was taken to the hospital with life–threatening injuries.
The 15-year-old was also taken to the hospital. He suffered a cut to his lip.
Police said both bikers were wearing their helmets.
