An Aurora firefighter died today after his bicycle was hit by a pickup truck this morning.
Firefighter Jason Murphy was riding his bicycle to work at 7:30 a.m. when he was struck in the 18200 block of East Quincy Avenue.
According to a news release from Aurora Police, witnesses saw Murphy using the marked crosswalk and signal lights at the intersection near Summit Elementary School.
Witnesses also reported the pickup truck was not speeding, traveling about 30 mph in the 40 mph roadway.
The driver of the Dodge Ram pickup that struck Murphy, William Nale, 49, said he was blinded by the morning sunlight and did not see Murphy or the traffic signal.
Aurora Fire crews responded, treated Murphy on the scene and transported him to the hospital with serious injuries.
Murphy passed away later in the emergency room.
“This is a devastating loss to Jason’s family and the Aurora Fire Department,” reads a news release from the fire department. “Our thoughts, our hearts, and our prayers go out to Jason’s family. The Aurora Fire Department is grieving the loss of a colleague and a great friend.”
Murphy joined the Aurora Fire Department in February 2003, and held the rank of engineer.
Nale was cited for careless driving resulting in death, and failure to provide proof of insurance upon request.
Yesenia Robles: 303-954-1372 or yrobles@denverpost.com
