A 35-year-old Clermont woman was seriously injured while bicycling Saturday morning when she was sideswiped by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash happened around 8 a.m. on County Road 455 west of County Road 561 in Lake County.
According to troopers, the Clermont woman was biking east on the right edge of CR-455 when the right side of a vehicle sideswiped her.
The vehicle then left the scene, troopers said.
The woman — identified as professional triathlete Gabrielle Suver — was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
“She’s just someone that everybody feels like they know because she’s so open and honest with so much of her life,” said Kimberly Grogan, owner of Dash Sports in Clermont and one of Suver’s sponsors.
The incident has sparked outrage in the local athletic community.
“The community is seeking justice. The community of triathletes, the community of cyclists,” Grogan said. “Just that you would leave anyone, but this amazing person, on the side of the road with no idea of what state they’re in and just keep on driving is beyond unfathomable.”
The FHP said there were no witnesses to provide any information on the vehicle, and Suver did not see the vehicle.
Anyone with information is asked to call FHP at *347 or Crimeline at 800-423-8477.
Meanwhile, support for Suver has been pouring in through a GoFundMe page established by her coach to help cover medical expenses. The coach, who visited Suver in the hospital, reports she remains in significant pain.
The injuries could have career-ending implications for the accomplished athlete.
“Now she has a rod in her leg. Spine, neck injuries, things like that, are extremely challenging for any of the sports- swimming, biking, or running,” Grogan explained.
Grogan described Suver as a “beautiful shining light in the area for many years,” highlighting the impact she’s had on the local sports community.
An investigation is ongoing.
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Source: clickorlando
