Lutz Bicyclist, Age 11, Killed While Riding On Sidewalk Along U.S. 19

PALM HARBOR, FL — An 11-year-old bicyclist was killed Sunday night after being struck by a pickup truck towing a boat trailer.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, around 5:30 p.m., a 21-year-old Tampa man in a Dodge pickup truck towing a boat trailer was traveling north in the outside lane on U.S. 19, south of Grand Cypress Boulevard, when traffic suddenly slowed up ahead.

The driver took evasive action to avoid rear-ending the traffic in front of him. In the process, he swerved to the east shoulder where an 11-year-old from Lutz was riding a bike north on the sidewalk, according to troopers.

The child was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.