David Sherman was a husband, father, and friend to many

Saturday afternoon, on North Church Street north of Highway 150, witnesses watched a silver SUV strike David. The impact was so violent that it threw David far off the road, into a field. He died instantly.

The driver didn't stop. Or call 911. Callousness overcame decency, and instead, the driver made a u-turn and left the scene.

So far, I've avoided writing about David's death. The circumstances are tragic and the driver's actions criminal. And, we've been left to wonder about the details of what happened, and why the driver fled rather than go to David's aid.

Then finally, early this week we learned that an anonymous tip helped police find the SUV that struck David. A woman has been identified as a suspect. Charges are pending. 

In the meantime, David's family, friends, co-workers, and others celebrated his life. Last night, New Garden Friend's Meeting was filled to capacity with people who came to remember David. They spoke of his curiosity, love of learning, passion for music, competitiveness, and love for his family. There were a lot of tears, and just as much laughter.

Many comments on local Web sites have promoted predictable, wrongheaded ideas about the tragedy. Those comments are cloaked in what comes across as an angry sense of entitlement to the roads, and a lack of awareness that this tragedy involves real people, and not stereotypes that live in their minds.

Meanwhile, I'm pessimistic that the responsible driver will do the right thing and accept responsibility for her actions. She killed a man, disrupted at least one family (not including her own), and brought pain to many who knew David. Police and courts have often been reluctant to treat cyclists' deaths as more than unfortunate accidents. I hope that there is justice, but sadly, I'm not expecting it. Let's all hope I'm wrong.

Photo of David Sherman by Alison Falls.

Comments

[Beth Sherman]

Thank you for the article.

[Mary]

Ian
I believe many of us in the GSO cycling community share your outrage at the driver. I was fortunate to do a few group rides with David, we were blessed to have someone sharing the road with us.