Two cyclists were killed Saturday morning after being struck by a driver who admitted he wasn’t paying attention to the road, according to Denton County officials.
The fatal crash occurred around 8:30 a.m. on December 20 along FM 455 East, just east of Fritcher Road in Pilot Point, when a 23-year-old driver collided with members of a Frisco Triathlon Club group ride, authorities confirmed.
A Preventable Tragedy
Scott Mages and Andre Kocher were identified as the victims in the crash. One was transported by ambulance to Methodist Celina Hospital while the other was airlifted to Medical City Plano. Both men later died from their injuries, officials said.
Fellow cyclist Tommy Johnson described both men as pillars of their community. “Andre was somebody who was a protector of the group and he always looked out for the group and made sure that everybody got home on time. Scott, again, the same type of person. He was a leader in the group, so he was leading the group he was in on Saturday,” Johnson told local media.
Investigators determined the driver was speeding when the collision occurred. Perhaps more troubling? The 23-year-old driver, whose name hasn’t been released, did not possess a valid driver’s license at the time, though he did have a Texas identification card, authorities revealed.
Driver Initially Fled Scene
The investigation has also uncovered that the driver initially left the scene of the accident. He later returned before police arrived, a detail that has further angered the cycling community. Emergency crews responded to the scene around 8:19 a.m., according to official reports.
“The way I view it, there are no accidents. You know, this was a crash. This wasn’t an accident. Implies that it could not be prevented. This was very preventable, just through, you know, conscientious driving. So, yeah, there needs to be some accountability,” Johnson explained.
Despite the circumstances, the driver has not yet been formally charged with a crime as the investigation remains ongoing.
Cyclists Call for Greater Road Safety
The deaths have sparked renewed calls for motorist awareness and cyclist safety. Anthony Ysasaga, another cyclist in the community, offered a simple plea: “Just please be aware of the people on the road and slow down.”
What makes this incident particularly devastating for the cycling community is the careful preparation most riders undertake to stay safe.
“There’s lots of things we do to try to be safe for sure, but we’re always at the mercy of the motorists,” Johnson noted.
The Frisco Triathlon Club has been left reeling from the loss of two respected members. Both men were known for their leadership and commitment to keeping fellow cyclists safe — a cruel irony given the circumstances of their deaths.
As police continue their investigation, the cycling community awaits answers about what consequences, if any, the driver might face. For now, they’re left mourning two friends who went out for a morning ride and never came home.
