Bicyclist Hurt in Dunedin Causeway Crash is ID'd

Investigators have identified a man who was apparently hurt in a single bicycle crash on the Dunedin Causeway and who remained hospitalized Wednesday night.

Gerald A. Mihalinec, 62, of Dunedin, was found shortly after 9 p.m. Monday seriously injured and lying on the sidewalk on the west side of the drawbridge near the beach access. 

A 911 call led authorities to the man, who they believe was involved in a single bicycle crash and may have had a medical episode, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office reports. According to investigators, there did not appear to be any signs of alcohol or drug impairment.

Investigators say Mihalinec is a server at a Clearwater restaurant, and that his employer called the sheriff's office April 10 to request a welfare check after Mihalinec did not show up for work. After deputies did not find anyone at Mihalinec's South Paula Drive residence, they mentioned the bicycle crash to the employer, who was able to identify the bicyclist as Mihalinec.

The man was taken to a local hospital by ambulance for treatment of life-threatening injuries. He remained hospitalized Wednesday night, officials said. There was no update on his condition.

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