Two Frisco Triathlon Club Members Killed in Cycling Accident
Two cyclists from the Frisco Triathlon Club died Saturday morning after being struck by a vehicle while riding on FM 455 East near Pilot Point in Denton County, authorities confirmed.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene around 8:19 a.m. following reports that two cyclists had been hit just east of Fritcher Road. One cyclist was transported to Celina Methodist Hospital while the other was airlifted to Medical City Plano. Despite medical efforts, both succumbed to their injuries, according to Pilot Point police who responded alongside multiple law enforcement agencies.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local endurance sports community. “I couldn’t believe it. I was supposed to go on that ride,” said Tommy Johnson, owner of Sport Speed Lab and close friend of both victims. Johnson had planned to join them that morning but went to work instead—a decision that has left him grappling with shock and numbness in the aftermath of the accident.
A Community in Mourning
The Frisco Triathlon Club has announced plans to honor their fallen members with a Memorial Santa Run on Christmas Eve. It’s a somber tribute to athletes who had dedicated countless hours to their sport and community.
Johnson recalled spending “thousands of hours” cycling with the victims over the years. He had even completed Ironman California with one of them last year, highlighting their deep commitment to endurance sports and triathlons.
What makes this loss particularly difficult is that these weren’t inexperienced riders. They took precautions. They used lights. They had radar devices. And still, it wasn’t enough.
A Plea for Road Safety
“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 explained, his voice carrying the weight of this harsh reality.
Johnson issued a direct appeal to drivers sharing roads with cyclists. “Be patient,” he said. “A few seconds, slowing down and passing at a safe distance could save someone’s life.” It’s a simple request with potentially life-saving consequences.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the driver involved in the collision. The investigation remains ongoing, with police continuing to gather evidence and details about the circumstances surrounding the crash.
As the cycling community prepares for their Christmas Eve memorial, they’re left to reckon with a sobering truth: even the most dedicated safety measures can’t eliminate all risks on shared roadways. For now, they mourn two friends whose morning ride ended in tragedy—and hope their loss might somehow inspire greater awareness among those behind the wheel.
