15-year-old bicyclist killed in Pasco County crash

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A 15-year-old bicyclist was killed in a Pasco County crash early Thursday.

The Florida Highway Patrol said a 31-year-old man was driving a Dodge Charger eastbound on Kitten Trail around 6:30 a.m.

At the intersection of Thompson Avenue, troopers said the Charger came upon a bicyclist traveling eastbound in the travel lane with no lights on the dark, unlighted roadway. According to Hudson Academy, the boy was on his way to school just down the street.

“Despite an attempt to avoid a collision, the vehicle struck the rear of the bicycle causing serious injuries to the rider who was not wearing a helmet,” troopers said in a news release.

“It’s dark here and there’s no flashing lights to say turn here to go to this school and I think something needs to be done,” nearby neighbor Janet Michaels said.

Some neighbors said they’ve expressed their concern about no lighting on this road to officials before. There aren’t any sidewalks either.

The bicyclist, identified as 15-year-old Myles Farago, was taken to a hospital where he died.

“It’s sad this time of year, any time of year, but especially this time of year,” Michaels said. “I feel bad for the driver, the parents.”

Florida Bicycle Association Executive Director Kelly Morphy fears traffic dangers for Florida children every day.

“We now have killed another child in Florida,” she told 8 On Your Side. “We have ways to make these conditions better so we don’t keep doing it.”

Morphy immediately looked at google maps after getting the news Thursday morning.

She noted a lack of serious safety precautions here on kitten trail, something she says needs to change.

“There are no sidewalks in that area,” she said. “There are no bike lanes and apparently there are no street lights.”

“You put those factors together in an area where we’re expecting children to use the space to get to school and it’s unfortunately a tragedy waiting to happen.”

Hudson Academy, the school near the crash scene, released a statement:

“It is with a heavy heart that we are informing students and staff today about the passing of one of our Cobra students. Due to an unfortunate accident on the way to school, Myles Farago, was struck by a car. He is being remembered as a kind, caring and talented student. We have the crisis team on campus to help staff and students with their grief. Please keep his family in your prayers and respect their privacy during this difficult time.”

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