71-year-old cyclist dies after collision with dog in Central Park, NYPD says
Central Park cyclist dies after collision with unleashed dog
The Central Park Conservancy confirmed leashes are required in the area of the park where a 71-year-old man on a bike collided with an unleashed dog and suffered fatal injuries. FOX 5 NY's Stephanie Bertini has the latest.
NEW YORK - A 71-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a dog Monday in Central Park, according to police.
What we know:
The NYPD responded to a 911 call at around 8:18 a.m. reporting an injured cyclist on East Drive and East 84th Street in Central Park.
Cyclist killed in collision with dog in Central Park: NYPD
A 71-year-old cyclist was killed after a collision with a dog in Central Park, the NYPD said. FOX 5 NY's Stephanie Bertini has the latest details.
According to the preliminary investigation, the 71-year-old man was riding a bike when he collided with a dog that was crossing at the same time.
The man suffered head and body injuries after falling onto the pavement, officials said. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Sources told FOX 5 NY the dog's owner remained at the scene and tried to administer CPR to the cyclist.
The dog, a golden retriever, was not hurt, according to a source.
Dig deeper:
A FOX 5 NY source confirmed the dog was not on-leash at the time of the crash.
"Dogs are required to be on-leash on the Central Park Drives at all times," according to the Central Park Conservancy.
Central Park has off-leash hours from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., but only in specific areas.
What they're saying:
The Central Park Conservancy said in a statement to FOX 5 NY that it was "heartbroken to hear of the fatal incident that occurred in Central Park this morning involving a cyclist and an off-leash dog. Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and loved ones of the cyclist who lost his life."
"Central Park was created more than 150 years ago to provide a peaceful, joyful respite for all from the intense pace and pressures of the surrounding city. The Park cannot continue to serve that purpose unless all New Yorkers hold to the essential agreement of public space: know and follow the rules, and respect your fellow visitors. The tragedy this morning and other recent incidents show what can happen when that agreement is broken. More than 40 million people share this magnificent 843-acre gift of green space each year. Every single one of us must accept the responsibility to keep it safe and welcoming for one another. Leash your dog, observe speed limits, and follow the rules of the Park," the statement continued.
What we don't know:
The cyclist's name has not been released at this time.
It was not immediately clear if any criminal charges would be filed.
Police said the investigation was ongoing.
The Source: This story was written with statements and details from the NYPD's Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information (DCPI), on the preliminary investigation into a fatal bike crash in Central Park. A statement from the Central Park Conservancy and info from FOX 5 NY sources were also used.