Updated: Cape teen critically injured in bike/car crash dies
Updated:
A Cape Coral teen who was struck by a patrol vehicle while riding his bike on Kismet Parkway early Friday morning has died as a result of his injuries.
Austin Dukette,15, died at a Tampa hospital Saturday, according to an updated release from the Cape Coral Police Department.
An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted at a later date, the release states, adding the investigation is still ongoing.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved during this tragic time,” said Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department spokesperson.
Austin was riding his bike in the 600-700 block of Kismet shortly after 6 a.m. when the left front bumper of a marked vehicle driven by Sheriff Lee County Sheriff Deputy Douglas E. Hood struck the rear tire of the bicycle, officials said earlier.
Austin was thrown from his bike onto the roadway.
Hood was not injured.
Original story:
A Cape Coral teen was critically injured early Friday morning after his bike was struck from behind on Kismet Parkway by a Sheriff’s Office patrol car.
Austin Dukette, 15, was airlifted to a hospital in Tampa after first being treated at a local hospital, the Cape Coral Police Department said in a prepared statement issued Friday afternoon.
Austin was riding his bike in the 600-700 block of Kismet shortly after 6 a.m. when the left front bumper of a marked vehicle driven by Deputy Douglas E. Hood struck the rear tire of the bicycle, officials said, adding the patrol car was traveling west in the inside lane.
Austin, who was riding west on the side of the road next to the inside lane, was ejected from his bike onto the roadway.
He was not wearing a helmet.
Hood was not injured in the crash.
Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Homicide investigators, forensics, and victim advocates responded.
“At this time, the investigation is still ongoing,” the release states, adding the crash is not alcohol or drug related.
Source: Cape Coral Police Department