Advocacy & Safety - Cyclist Killed By Drunk Driver

Link to Story (http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/2778370/)

Bicyclist Dies; N.C. State Student Charged in Crash
Brian Reid

Posted: Today at 12:05 p.m.
Updated: Today at 10:11 p.m.

Raleigh, N.C. — A North Carolina State University student apparently had been celebrating his 21st birthday, investigators said, before he struck a bicyclist near campus late Wednesday morning. The victim was transported to WakeMed, where she died.

According to a Raleigh police report, Brian Anthony Reid, 21, of 310 S. Sixty Court in Graham, had a strong odor of alcohol, glassy eyes, slurred speech and admitted he had been drinking. He registered 0.12 in an alcohol breath test.

Reid was charged with one count each of driving while impaired, felony assault by motor vehicle and failure to reduce speed.

The crash happened shortly before 11 a.m., police said, when the Ford F-150 Reid was driving struck Nancy Antoine Leidy near N.C. State at Nazareth Street and Crusader Drive.

Leidy, 60, was taken to WakeMed in Raleigh with life-threatening injuries. She died Wednesday evening, according to a WakeMed spokesperson.

She was riding on the right-hand side of the road and was wearing a helmet, police said.

Reid, a junior engineering major at N.C. State, was released on a $10,000 secured bond Wednesday evening. Reid could face additional charges because of Leidy's death.

His first court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.

At the Wake County magistrate's office Wednesday afternoon, Reid's father called the crash "an unfortunate accident" and said "our prayers are with the family."

* Reporter: Amanda Lamb

So sad...

Az

"Unfortunate accident", my arse.

"Unfortunate accident", my arse.

+1

I have to congratulate Ms. Lamb on her unusually lettered and succinct lede, as we say in journalism school.

Failing to mention the first name of the killer's father, however, drops her grade to a C-minus.

Comments on yesterdays article included the usual ignorant comments about bicycles not belonging on the road. Hopefully they'll stay quiet today. This is a very sad situation. The kid made a stupid choice and someone is dead because of it.

I have to congratulate Ms. Lamb on her unusually lettered and succinct lede, as we say in journalism school.

Failing to mention the first name of the killer's father, however, drops her grade to a C-minus.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg194/unregistered_coward/INSIDEBigFatWhale_stevensTu.jpg

Death by drunk driver should never be considered an "accident". IMHO it is manslaughter at least. Funny, just yesterday a report was released that stated 15% of drivers in the poll admit to driving while under the influence and the the north central part of the country that number approaches 25%.............:eek:

Next we will hear statements of what a wonderful person he is.

In California this would be prosecuted as vehicular manslaughter, if not homicide.

Reid was charged with one count each of driving while impaired, felony assault by motor vehicle and failure to reduce speed.

Reid, a junior engineering major at N.C. State, was released on a $10,000 secured bond Wednesday evening. Reid could face additional charges because of Leidy's death.



Now wait one, here. The driver was immediately charged with felony assault, but not murder or manslaughter? Could face additional charges?

This case will bear watching. If Reid is not given additional charges, I call foul.

Slow your roll...

The initial charges were before the lady died. Can't charge for manslaughter until someone is dead. Tragically, some version of a homicide is now appropriate.

If it doesn't come shortly we can all cry foul together.

My deepest sympathies to Ms. Leidy's family. Vaya con Dios

Charges are now upgraded to "felony death by motor vehicle."

The fact that the dude got back on the street before his BAL was .00 is really scary too.

Upgraded to "felony death by motor vehicle".

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/2783375/

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/crime_safety/story/1048288.html

The fact that the dude got back on the street before his BAL was .00 is really scary too.

That seems to be the norm around here (above .00) People don't care, don't think and don't believe it can and will happen to them.

Aaron:)

The reader's comments on that article make me hate humanity.

There is no excuse for DWI. When DWI causes a death, as in this case, a prison term should be mandatory. Let's just call the prison term an "unfortunate fact of life" ... I know Mr Reid will understand ... hell, he thinks a death by the hands of a drunk is an unfortunate accident!
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Nancy Leidy. Lets not make her untimely death just another statistic ... those in NC should go to the hearings and trial with cycling helmets in hand to make sure the justice system understands that cyclists want justice.