Bicyclist Injured in Early Morning Crash

A bicyclist suffered life threatening injuries after being hit by a car crossing Lake Avenue near Gulf to Bay Boulevard early Saturday morning, according to Clearwater Police.

Daniel R. Rothwell, 60, was heading westbound on the sidewalk next to Gulf to Bay Boulevard around 12:56 a.m. when he started to cross Lake Avenue.

At the same time, Ronald F. Hale, 60, turned off Gulf to Bay Boulevard to head south on Lake Avenue in his 2003 Mercedes Benz.

Rothwell, who had no lights on his bicycle, was hit by Hale. The Gulf to Bay Boulevard signal for east and west traffic was green at the time, according to investigators.

Rothwell was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital with life threatening injuries, according to investigators. 

Alcohol is believed to be a factor on the part of Rothwell, according to police.