At a Glance
- Two Frisco triathletes killed in a bike crash on FM 455 East.
- Cyclists Andre Kocher and Scott Mages died after hospital treatment.
- Fundraiser raised $2,000 toward a $4,000 goal for the League of American Bicyclists.
- Why it matters: The tragedy highlights road safety risks for cyclists and unites a community in mourning and support.
The North Texas triathlon community was stunned this morning when two club members were struck and killed while cycling on FM 455 East. The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief, fundraising, and plans for a memorial run.
Incident Details
Pilot Point police received calls before 8:20 a.m. Saturday that a driver had hit two men on bicycles on FM 455 East, just east of Fritcher Road. Lifesaving measures were attempted, but the cyclists were taken to hospitals and later died from their injuries.
- Driver continued driving briefly before returning.
- Driver has been cooperative with the investigation.
- Cyclists Andre Kocher and Scott Mages were on a group ride with the Frisco Triathlon Club.
Community Response
Ironman triathlete Matthew Olivolo expressed deep sorrow, noting the close bonds forged among cyclists. Olivolo spoke with News Of Fort Worth at Endur3Bikes bike shop.
Matthew Olivolo said:
> “Hearing the news this morning was just devastating. This is tragic for all cyclists and ironman triathletes.”
Matthew Olivolo added:
> “There’s a lot of hours on the road on your bike, and you become very close with your peers and develop a brother and a sisterhood that is just unbreakable.”
The Frisco Triathlon Club posted a heartfelt message on social media, announcing a fundraiser to honor the victims.
| Fundraiser | Amount Raised | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| League of American Bicyclists | $2,000 | $4,000 |
The club also plans a Santa Run on Christmas Eve to honor Kocher and Mages, starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday at the Frisco Running Club.
Key Takeaways
- Two triathletes, Andre Kocher and Scott Mages, died in a bike crash on FM 455 East.
- A fundraiser has raised $2,000 toward a $4,000 goal for bicycling safety advocacy.
- The community is commemorating the victims with a memorial run scheduled for Christmas Eve.
As the community mourns, the tragedy underscores the importance of road safety for cyclists and the solidarity that binds athletes together.
