A freshman Lees-McRae College cyclist was killed Thursday afternoon after being hit by a vehicle while on a training ride in Avery County.
Megan Baab, 19, of Euless, Texas, was airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center after the accident but did not survive her severe injuries, according to a message from LMC President Barry Buxton.
"We all remember Megan as a bright and bubbly member of our campus community," Buxton said in a message to the campus. "She always had a smile and on her face and a friendly word to say. Her contributions to our campus were noteworthy, even though we were only able to share a single semester with her. We send our most heartfelt condolences to her family and friends in Texas and keep them in our thoughts and prayers."
The accident occurred at about 2:25 p.m. on U.S. 221 near Ginger Lane in Altamont as Baab was traveling north. A Ford Ranger driven by ASU student Mitchell James Epley crossed the center line and hit Baab's bicycle, according to the N.C. Highway Patrol.
Epley was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle, according to court records.
http://WataugaDemocrat.comThis year has been a difficult one for the Lees-McRae cycling team.
Senior cyclist Carla Swart also died in January after a vehicle accident in her native South Africa.