A 17-year-old likely will face misdemeanor charges of careless driving resulting in death after allegedly losing control of his car while text messaging and hitting a cyclist in Highlands Ranch.
Under Colorado law, he could face up to a year in prison.
The victim, Jim R. Price, 63, of Highlands Ranch, died Friday.
“We do not believe it was an intentional act, but it was inattentiveness to the roadway,” said Lt. Alan Stanton, spokesman for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
“The investigation showed that he was text-messaging on his cellphone” at the time of the accident, Stanton said.
Price died at Swedish Medical Center, Douglas County authorities said.
Authorities said Price was struck by the car about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday while riding in the bicycle lane of Wildcat Reserve Parkway.
The teenager, a Highlands Ranch resident who has not been identified, was driving a late-model Chevrolet east on the parkway just west of Summit View when his car drifted into the bicycle lane, authorities said.
Investigators said alcohol, drugs and excessive speed were not factors.
It was the second time Price, an avid cyclist, had been hit by a car. He suffered a broken ankle two years ago when he was hit while riding on a bike path.
His wife, Shirley, said he had been especially mindful of cars since then.
