A Reynoldsburg woman riding in the Pelotonia bicycle tour died Saturday after being struck by apickup in Hocking County, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said.
Michelle Kazlausky, 57, was hit near corner of state routes 180 and 374 at about 2:15 p.m.
According to investigators, Kazlausky was coming around a curve as Ervin Blackston, 57, ofRockbridge, approached her in his pickup. As a state trooper tried to stop Blackston,Kazlausky laid down her bicycle in an attempt to avoid the collision.
Kazlausky was hit and transported to Hocking Valley Hospital, where she later died.
No charges were filed on Saturday.
The investigation was ongoing and findings will be presented to the Hocking County Prosecutor'sOffice for review, the patrol said.
Investigators said alcohol was not suspected in the crash and a preliminary investigationindicated that the pickup's brakes may have been a factor in the wreck.
More than 4,000 bicyclists began the trek Saturday from Columbus to Athens as part of thePelotonia bike tour.
The event raises money for cancer research at The Ohio State University James CancerHospital.
Pelotonia organizers released a solemn statement on Saturday after Kazlausky's death.
"We are deeply saddened by this terrible news," the statement read. "We ask that you keepthe Kazlausky family in your thoughts and prayers."
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