GEORGIA — Two elderly women were killed Friday morning after being struck by a vehicle while riding their bicycles in Sumter County, authorities said.
According to Sumter County Coroner Bobby Hancock-Harris and Sheriff Eric Bryant, the women—one in her 90s and the other in her 80s—were cycling just after 8 a.m. on Tommy Hooks Road when the crash occurred.
Investigators said a teenage driver was reportedly blinded by the morning sun as she crested a hill and accidentally struck the cyclists. The sheriff said the women were taking part in their regular Friday morning bike ride.
Emergency crews responded to the scene immediately after the crash. One of the women was pronounced dead at the scene. The second woman was taken to Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries after initially being considered for air transport.
Authorities said the women were not related but were friends who frequently rode bicycles together.
“We extend our sympathies to both families involved,” Sheriff Bryant said.
The Georgia State Patrol is leading the investigation into the crash. Officials said it is still unclear whether any charges will be filed against the teenage driver.
Sheriff Bryant confirmed the driver is a student at Southland Academy and was traveling with her younger brother in the car at the time of the incident.
Schools in the area, including Deerfield-Windsor and Terrell Academy, posted messages on social media expressing support for the Southland Academy community and the families affected by the tragedy.
