Bicyclist struck, killed by semi during Ironman Triathlon Race
A 44-year-old bicyclist died early Sunday morning after being struck by a semi on U.S. 23 in Delaware County while participating in the Ironman Triathlon Race.
Kristen J. Oswald, of Royersford, Pennsylvania, was reportedly struck by a commercial tractor-trailer just before 9 a.m. while riding her bike northbound in the right lane on U.S. 23 near Troutman Road, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Claude Tremblay, age 55, of Sarnia, Ontario, who was driving a Freightliner commercial tractor-trailer northbound on U.S. 23 in the left lane, struck Oswald when Oswald traveled outside the safety zone that had been established for people participating in the event, according to troopers.
A reduced speed zone was in place for motorist on U.S 23, officials said.
Oswald was struck by the semi in the left-hand lane, troopers said.
Oswald, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Oswald’s husband was reportedly still racing when the crash occurred, officials said.
U.S. 23 westbound lanes were closed for three hours while Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated the fatal crash.
Troopers interviewed multiple witnesses at the scene and say the crash remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware County EMS, Tri-Township Fire and EMS, troopers said.
The Ironman Triathlon Race in Delaware has about 2,600 people participating in the event this year.
PHOTOS FROM THE IRONMAN TRIATHLON RACE
Athletes at the event run, swim and bike at the event.
The competition began at 7 a.m. with a 1.2-mile swim at Delaware State Park.
After leaving the water, athletes climb on bicycles for a 56-mile ride through three counties that will end at Ohio Wesleyan University’s Selby Stadium in Delaware. From there, they will begin a 13.1-mile run back to the stadium.
Click here for more information about Ironman events and courses.
Click here for more information about the Ironman Triathlon Race.