South Carolina cyclist dies in accident

A 21 year-old Cat. 2 cyclist from Fort Mill, South Carolina and member of the John Deere Development Team was struck and killed by a 63 year-old driver last Friday, September 2. According to a report from The Herald in SC, Dylan Paul Mitchell of 1686 Double Oak Road was travelling east on his bicycle, riding home after a group training ride around 8:40 pm Friday evening, when Joel Peavy Jr, driving a 2003 Pontiac Vibe, struck and hit him from behind. Mitchell was taken to Richland Hospital, where he died around 9:00 pm that evening.

Brad Bowman wrote this brief eulogy on Dylan Mitchell:

ylan was a talented young man on many levels. A fine son, brother, artist, USC student, training partner, athlete, teammate and friend. Dylan approached life with an optimism that was infectious and it was impossible to spend any time with him without sharing a laugh and a smile. His cycling accomplishments began with success in mountain bike racing, but he turned his attention to road racing two years ago. A member of the John Deere Development Team, he won in every category as he ascended to the cat 2s. He was the gold medallist espoir in the 2005 NC/SC state RR and we all expected a great future for him, both on and off the bike. Tragically that future has been cut short.

There will be no formal ceremony at this time. Wolfe Funeral Home in Fort Mill will be arranging a private cremation service for the family. There will be a Memorial Service held in several weeks to which all will be invited to remember the good times and Honor Dylan's life. More information will follow as plans develop.

Fort Mill Care Center
P.O. Box 1401
Fort Mill, SC 28716

American Red Cross
York County Chapter
200 Piedmont Blvd.
Rock Hill, SC 29732